COPPER

A PS Audio Publication

Issue 155 • Free Online Magazine

Issue 155 Opening Salvo

Never to be Forgotten

Never to be Forgotten

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of two of the industry’s most knowledgeable and most well-loved people. Robert Heiblim (69) was an expert in product development and management, and founder of consulting company Bluesalve Partners. He was a former president of Denon’s US operations, and chairman of the Audio Division of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). Robert was a friend, and I had the pleasure of working with him when he contributed a number of articles to Copper. He was universally liked and one of the smartest people around.

Mel Schilling (88) was an audio-industry veteran who established one of the first high-end stores, Music and Sound, in 1968. He later founded Camelot Technology, and most recently, Xhifi. Ken Kessler has a tribute in this issue.

And the world will never be the same without the towering musical talent of Meat Loaf, who left us at age 74.

In this issue: Ken Kessler remembers audio pioneer and all-around mensch, Mel Schilling. Anne E. Johnson appreciates Danish bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and Irish rock legends U2. I conclude our interview with Gordon Stanley of the Spreckels Organ Society with a look at recording the incredible instrument, the world’s largest pipe organ in an outdoor venue. J.I. Agnew continues his exploration into record-cutting lathes. John Seetoo covers the career of under-appreciated rockers Be-Bop Deluxe and guitar wizard Bill Nelson. Harris Fogel has a CES 2022 show report and so does Don Lindich. Tom Methans is a good influence on those around him. Russ Welton looks at speaker measurements using Spinorama.

How much control do artists have over the use of their music? Jay Jay French explains an important aspect. B. Jan Montana receives further enlightenment during his epic journey. Rich Isaacs remembers John Wasserman, the San Francisco Chronicle’s irreverent music and cultural events critic. Tom Gibbs recommends more demonstration-quality musical selections. Ray Chelstowski admires Gideon King & City Blog and their dazzling blend of creative musical virtuosity. Stuart Marvin digs into a landmark album: The Blues Project’s Projections. We conclude the issue with an open and shut case, backwards priorities, sweet spots, and a tip of the hat to Meat Loaf.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Ken Kessler, Don Lindich, Stuart Marvin, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Jack Flory, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Andy Schaub, David Snyder, Bob Wood

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)

Audio Anthropology Photos:
Howard Kneller, Steve Rowell

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

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#226 JJ Murphy’s Sleep Paralysis is a Genre-Bending Musical Journey Through Jazz, Fusion and More by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 Stewardship by Consent by B. Jan Montana Jan 05, 2026 #226 Food, Music, and Sensory Experience: An Interview With Professor Jonathan Zearfoss of the Culinary Institute of America by Joe Caplan Jan 05, 2026 #226 Studio Confidential: A Who’s Who of Recording Engineers Tell Their Stories by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 Pilot Radio is Reborn, 50 Years Later: Talking With CEO Barak Epstein by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 The Vinyl Beat Goes Down to Tijuana (By Way of Los Angeles), Part One by Rudy Radelic Jan 05, 2026 #226 Capital Audiofest 2025: Must-See Stereo, Part Two by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 My Morning Jacket’s Carl Broemel and Tyler Ramsey Collaborate on Their Acoustic Guitar Album, Celestun by Ray Chelstowski Jan 05, 2026 #226 The People Who Make Audio Happen: CanJam SoCal 2025, Part Two by Harris Fogel Jan 05, 2026 #226 How to Play in a Rock Band, 19: Touring Can Make You Crazy, Part One by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 Linda Ronstadt Goes Bigger by Wayne Robins Jan 05, 2026 #226 From The Audiophile’s Guide: Active Room Correction and Digital Signal Processing by Paul McGowan Jan 05, 2026 #226 PS Audio in the News by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 Back to My Reel-to-Reel Roots, Part 25: Half-Full, Not Empty by Ken Kessler Jan 05, 2026 #226 Happy New Year! by Frank Doris Jan 05, 2026 #226 Turn It Down! by Peter Xeni Jan 05, 2026 #226 Ghost Riders by James Schrimpf Jan 05, 2026 #226 A Factory Tour of Audio Manufacturer German Physiks by Markus "Marsu" Manthey Jan 04, 2026 #225 Capital Audiofest 2025: Must-See Stereo, Part One by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 Otis Taylor and the Electrics Delivers a Powerful Set of Hypnotic Modern Blues by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 A Christmas Miracle by B. Jan Montana Dec 01, 2025 #225 T.H.E. Show New York 2025, Part Two: Plenty to See, Hear, and Enjoy by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 Underappreciated Artists, Part One: Martin Briley by Rich Isaacs Dec 01, 2025 #225 Rock and Roll is Here to Stay by Wayne Robins Dec 01, 2025 #225 A Lifetime of Holiday Record (and CD) Listening by Rudy Radelic Dec 01, 2025 #225 Little Feat: Not Saying Goodbye, Not Yet by Ray Chelstowski Dec 01, 2025 #225 How to Play in a Rock Band, Part 18: Dealing With Burnout by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 The People Who Make Audio Happen: CanJam SoCal 2025 by Harris Fogel Dec 01, 2025 #225 Chicago’s Sonic Sanctuaries: Four Hi‑Fi Listening Bars Channeling the Jazz‑Kissa Spirit by Olivier Meunier-Plante Dec 01, 2025 #225 From The Audiophile’s Guide: Controlling Bass Frequencies Through Membrane Absorbers (and How to Build Your Own) by Paul McGowan Dec 01, 2025 #225 Your Editor’s Tips for Attending Audio Shows by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 PS Audio in the News by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 Back to My Reel-to-Reel Roots, Part 24 by Ken Kessler Dec 01, 2025 #225 Holiday Music by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 Puppy Prognostication by Peter Xeni Dec 01, 2025 #225 How to Post Comments on Copper by Frank Doris Dec 01, 2025 #225 Living Color by Rudy Radelic Dec 01, 2025 #224 T.H.E. Show New York 2025, Part One: A New Beginning by Frank Doris Nov 03, 2025 #224 Fool’s Leap of Faith is the Extraordinary Octave Records Debut from Singer/Songwriter Tyler Burba and Visit by Frank Doris Nov 03, 2025 #224 The Beatles’ “Aeolian Cadences.” What? by Wayne Robins Nov 03, 2025 #224 Persona Non Grata by B. Jan Montana Nov 03, 2025 #224 Talking With Recording Engineer Barry Diament of Soundkeeper Recordings, Part Two by Frank Doris Nov 03, 2025 #224 B Sides, B Movies, and Beware of Zombies by Rudy Radelic Nov 03, 2025 #224 The Burn-In Chronicles: 1,000 Hours to Sonic Salvation by Olivier Meunier-Plante Nov 03, 2025 #224 A Conversation With Mat Weisfeld of VPI Industries by Joe Caplan Nov 03, 2025 #224 Blues-Rocker Kenny Wayne Shepherd Celebrates 30 Years of Ledbetter Heights by Ray Chelstowski Nov 03, 2025 #224 Playing in a Rock Band, 17: When Good Gigs Go Bad, Part Two by Frank Doris Nov 03, 2025

Never to be Forgotten

Never to be Forgotten

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of two of the industry’s most knowledgeable and most well-loved people. Robert Heiblim (69) was an expert in product development and management, and founder of consulting company Bluesalve Partners. He was a former president of Denon’s US operations, and chairman of the Audio Division of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). Robert was a friend, and I had the pleasure of working with him when he contributed a number of articles to Copper. He was universally liked and one of the smartest people around.

Mel Schilling (88) was an audio-industry veteran who established one of the first high-end stores, Music and Sound, in 1968. He later founded Camelot Technology, and most recently, Xhifi. Ken Kessler has a tribute in this issue.

And the world will never be the same without the towering musical talent of Meat Loaf, who left us at age 74.

In this issue: Ken Kessler remembers audio pioneer and all-around mensch, Mel Schilling. Anne E. Johnson appreciates Danish bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and Irish rock legends U2. I conclude our interview with Gordon Stanley of the Spreckels Organ Society with a look at recording the incredible instrument, the world’s largest pipe organ in an outdoor venue. J.I. Agnew continues his exploration into record-cutting lathes. John Seetoo covers the career of under-appreciated rockers Be-Bop Deluxe and guitar wizard Bill Nelson. Harris Fogel has a CES 2022 show report and so does Don Lindich. Tom Methans is a good influence on those around him. Russ Welton looks at speaker measurements using Spinorama.

How much control do artists have over the use of their music? Jay Jay French explains an important aspect. B. Jan Montana receives further enlightenment during his epic journey. Rich Isaacs remembers John Wasserman, the San Francisco Chronicle’s irreverent music and cultural events critic. Tom Gibbs recommends more demonstration-quality musical selections. Ray Chelstowski admires Gideon King & City Blog and their dazzling blend of creative musical virtuosity. Stuart Marvin digs into a landmark album: The Blues Project’s Projections. We conclude the issue with an open and shut case, backwards priorities, sweet spots, and a tip of the hat to Meat Loaf.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Ken Kessler, Don Lindich, Stuart Marvin, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Jack Flory, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Andy Schaub, David Snyder, Bob Wood

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)

Audio Anthropology Photos:
Howard Kneller, Steve Rowell

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

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