Are picture discs valuable?

Most picture discs were produced in reasonably large numbers, so are not hugely valuable even with the resurgence in collecting vinyl. However, certain limited editions, withdrawn vinyl, test pressings and uncut versions of shaped discs can command healthy premiums.

How bad do picture discs sound?

Universally, however, most agree that sonically they don’t sound quite as good as standard vinyl records. Some will go as far as to say they sound bad, but that can often be a little unfair. A more accurate statement about picture disc vinyl would be that they aren’t capable of sounding as good as standard records.

When was the first disc record made?

78 rpm materials. The earliest disc records (1889–1894) were made of a variety of materials, including hard rubber. Around 1895, a shellac-based material was introduced and became standard.

Do picture discs play?

While picture discs aren’t necessarily bad, your normal vinyl records will usually play better. Yeah, eventually you’ll wear into the picture.

Is black vinyl better?

In the case of traditional black records, black carbon is often added, which also strengthens the PVC mix. As a general rule of thumb, traditional black vinyl and natural, un-colored vinyl produce the best results overall. For me, this is the biggest overriding factor in why black is said to sound better.”

When did LPs stop being made?

1968
Consumer acceptance of stereo LPs was somewhat cautious initially but grew steadily during the early 1960s, and the industry largely discontinued production of conventional monaural LP records and playback equipment by 1968.

Can you clean picture discs?

I would not immerse a pic disc in a bath, or a Spin Clean. The spindle hole and edge may not be water tight, so immersion may cause damage. A vacuum type of machine (VPI or NittyGritty) are safe on a pic disc.

What was the first picture disc ever made?

First modern picture discs 1970 to 1979 Off II – Hallucinations featuring Various Artists (1969) The first modern picture disc pressed in Germany and released as a promotional disc. Air Conditioning by Curved Air (1970) One of the first modern picture disc conceived and designed by Mark Hanau.

When did the first picture record come out?

Apart from those debatable claimants for the title of “first”, the earliest picture records were not discs, strictly speaking, but rectangular picture postcards with small, round, transparent celluloid records glued onto the illustrated side. Such cards were in use by about 1909.

When was the first 78 rpm picture disc released?

One of the earliest commercially released picture discs was a 78 RPM record by country singer Jimmie Rodgers – Cowhand’s Last Ride/Blue Yodel No. 12, released in 1931 by RCA Records. The record is quite rare today, and sells for several thousand dollars when it turns up for sale.

Why are there picture discs on vinyl records?

Because of their substandard sound quality, most picture discs are produced as limited edition products, generally targeted at collectors, and are intended to supplement the supply of standard black vinyl records. Click any of the links below to jump to each category: Click here to view our selection of picture discs.