Name/Title
Album - 33rpm Record, Shellac - Victor Herbert Melodies - Victor Salon Group - 1931 - HMV Program Transcription L-4500 - Old Attic CollectionDescription
Victor Herbert Melodies - Victor Salon Group - 1931 - HMV Program Transcription L-4500 - Old Attic CollectionUse
Analogue Sound RecordingContext
One of the few records released during the shortlived first attempt at launching the 33 1/3 rpm format. These "Program Transcription" discs were on the same 25cm Shellac discs as 78rpm gramophones, and used the same needles, however they required one of the expensive new "Program Transcription" record players which used an electric playback system.
Four factors conspired against the format:
1. The great depression, which was at its worst in 1931
2. Lack of electricity service, many homes did not yet have electricity, and many that did were wired only for lighting or heating
3. Market saturation, many homes had purchased expensive new gramophone in the past decade,
4. Overly restrictive licensing, causing a lack of 3rd party releases on the format.
By the time RCA was willing to relaunch the format, WW2 started, once again delaying the launch. RCA gave up, and sold the rights to Columbia who refined the idea with a smaller needle and electronic pickup; and focused on their new 45rpm EP records and singles also using the same narrower needle & grooves. Both formats launched to great success in 1947; with less restrictive licensing leading to a widespread & rapid adoption of both formats. By 1960 the 78rpm record had been completely replaced by these new formats which are still in use today.
This is a rare survivor of a technology found in most homes to this day.
