It takes years of fastidious sifting through crates to build a collection of records having some musical value. And Eddie Tauro’s collection is nothing short of a treasure trove. Name a priceless record, and chances are Eddie has it.

A retired bank official from Mumbai, Eddie now spends time listening to his carefully curated collection of some of the most coveted titles in music recording history. Blues, jazz, classic rock, folk-rock, R&B and world music make up most of his collection of 3000 records.

Every object in the Tauro household is in its rightful place. The same can be said for records. It’s a little wonder that Eddie doesn't lose an extra second in locating an album. And that’s not all – he remembers track-listings too.  Ask his wife if his obsession for records worries her and she will put your doubts to rest – “I don’t mind it at all. In fact, I love it when he plays records of my choice, or from the times when we were young.”

“I am not a record collector”, Eddie claims, which is indisputably true. What started off as a hobby 4 decades ago inevitably turned into a selfless exercise in documenting the evolution of various musical styles. He even owns a large collection of books on them.

Eddie is also well versed with turntables of various pedigrees. He can identify one just by looking at its tonearm in a photograph. That speaks volumes about his attention to detail. And don’t just go by my words – his audio setup comprises of Garrard 301 and 401 turntables, and a pair of Cadence Avita speakers – all in top-notch condition.

Quick facts

Favourite record: Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited

One of his favourite genres: Brit Folk-Rock

Prized records: Bob Dylan/The Band’s Basement Tapes, and a copy of Dave Brubeck’s Jazz Impressions of Eurasia signed by Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond and Joe Morello.

Few titles from his Blue Note original pressings collection: Thelonius Monk's The Genius of Modern Music, Milt Jackson & The Thelonius Monk Quintet, Clifford Jordan's Cliff Craft, Walter Davis' Davis Cup, Donald Byrd's Off To The Races, Sonny Rollins' Newk's Time, Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue, Art Blakey's Orgy in Rhythm, The Amazing Bud Powell, Jutta Hipp's At the Hickory House, and a bunch of Horace Silver records.

Current hi-fi setup: Garrard 301 with SME III/AT33EV & Garrard 401 with SME3009/ V15VxMR, Cadence Avita speakers, Cadence VA 1.0 HP Amplifier and iFi Phono pre-amp

Previously owned turntables: Linn LP12, and Thorens TD160 Super.