Jerry Garcia Band* – Don't Let Go (Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco, May 21, 1976)

This record sounds phenomenal and the show was well worth pressing. I particularly like the foldout insert presentation of the record to navigate and hold the multiple LPs.

Acquired a new copy and all of the issues I experienced with my first copy are nonexistent. Perfect pressings that sound fantastic. Such a relief. When this eventually gets a regular release it will be a no brainer.

I didn’t experience any of the sound quality issues mentioned by those earlier reviews. My copy sounds great (but it did come with paper inner sleeves so I cleaned the vinyl before playing).

The “jacket” is very pretty but way too big for my already-cramped record shelf. It’s currently sitting on the floor and my wife is displeased. I do wish they had gone with a standard box set design.

I have to say that I was really looking forward to this release, waited in a long line, and felt lucky to have had the chance to purchase it...and after listening and opening it, I am really disappointed in the quality...paper inners and random marks, scratches, scuffs...after ultrasonically cleaning, it did improve a bit, however it cannot overcome physical damage, oh well.

This set has that subdued power that was starting to become prevalent into 77'. Slower tempos that build and John Kahn's bass playing really adds to the vibe. Pretty funky bass lines throughout. Great boogie piano from Keith in his chord/lead style. Because of the year, to me this set has a very easy going not so slick as later JGB performances, which is great. I've found also this record wants to be turned up. I'm digging it. The version of Knockin' on Heaven's Door is unique, never heard one quite like it. I don't think any Dead Head would be disappointed. Good show!

Small but deep scratch on S1. Loud pop for three rotations so not the end of the world, but so disappointing.

Aside from the paper LP sleeves (seriously ATO and Round Records and Garcia Family?). EVERY COLLECTOR will pay the $0.10 it costs you for poly inner sleeves.

And the requirement to clean paper lint off of each disc before listening….hmmm, SMH. The sound is excellent. Flat discs. Cool “book” packaging. Jerry at his finest. Love having Keith and Donna Jean coming along for the ride. My fave JGB box set thus far.

Oh, and a comment about the “sound” or acoustic issues…I can’t hear ‘em. My equipment is economy/low end and I’m sporting 58 yr old ears, so there’s that, but it sounds just great to me. Turn it up and turn it on! So fire.

It’s also a distribution model issue. The two stores I hit locally on RSD were a Newbury Comics and a smaller single location independent. I started at Newbury in the mall because it was raining and the line was inside which was a plus. The Beacon was all gone by the time I got in the store, maybe 60 in front of me. There turned out to be 5 Don’t Let Go left so I pivoted and got this. The other store had a couple of each and were gone instantly.

Anyone else have distortion towards the end-grooves of each side? Sounds great otherwise, dead silent, and the distortion affects (less than) the last minute or so of (almost every side) 6 or 7 out of the 8 sides. I thought it could be my setup, or the source recording, but I checked the alignment of my cartridge, anti-skate, tracking force, and even threw on a 7-inch that goes way closer to the spindle- no distortion present. Also, the digital release doesn't have the distortion. So it seems like it's related to the pressing. I haven't seen anyone else comment about this anywhere, so please reply with any relevant info if you have/haven't experienced this distortion while listening to this release on your setup. Thanks!

Scalpers ruin another great RSD release 🙄

Anyone paying these trolls should be ashamed.

It's an RSD first release. It's going to be released wide soon.