Limitations of the Individual Indian Collector in the Preservation and Digitization of Ethnic Music in 78 rpm Shellac Records

Before the era of motion films, it can be said that India was divided into small groups, each with its own culture, with little familiarity of the cultures of their neighbouring groups. The recordings made by gramophone companies in the first four decades of the 20th century contain the ethnic music of each of these groups. The regional agents of record companies found the artists for these recordings. Most such records were made in limited numbers of 300 to 500 and many have been lost forever. Only the recordings of the most successful artists were re-released in the microgroove, magnetic tape or digital formats. The remaining recordings in the old 78 rpm format are scattered in the possession of individuals. Some remain stowed away in attics forgotten and unvalued.
It is often a difficult task to get such recordings digitized because the owners of such collections often refuse to cooperate. Public awareness has to be created so that these recordings can be preserved, digitized and released once again to the public.
Collectors who want to digitize their collection face obstacles too. Newer equipment may not match the very old 78 rpm shellac acoustic records which were cut using steel needles. Suitable equipment, both hardware and software, may have to be provided to collectors who are willing to be associated in the digitization of these valuable recordings, since shortage of finance may already be a hurdle before the collector.