The first RCA "45" player

[Electronic M]

RCA had a 33 LP record in 1932 not microgroove though and the depression killed it after intro. I. Can see why Sarnoff was livid.

[old_tv_nut]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

RCA had a 33 LP record in 1932 not microgroove though and the depression killed it after intro. I. Can see why Sarnoff was livid.

Was that a shellac disc, rather than vinyl? I could picture that dying with or without the depression due to low quality compared to 78s.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by old_tv_nut

Was that a shellac disc, rather than vinyl? I could picture that dying with or without the depression due to low quality compared to 78s.

From Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LP_record

RCA Victor introduced an early version of a long-playing record for home use in September 1931. These "Program Transcription" discs, as Victor called them, played at ​33 1⁄3 rpm and used a somewhat finer and more closely spaced groove than typical 78s. They were to be played with a special "Chromium Orange" chrome-plated steel needle. The 10-inch discs, mostly used for popular and light classical music, were normally pressed in shellac, but the 12-inch discs, mostly used for "serious" classical music, were normally pressed in Victor's new vinyl-based Victrolac compound, which provided a much quieter playing surface. They could hold up to 15 minutes per side.

Had to look it up. I have a changer mech, but no records of that format. This is the same mech I have: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87P7xygDcs0

[old_tv_nut]

Interesting.

[jr_tech]

Although these are called "program transcription" discs, they apparently are not the same as the transcription disks used by radio broadcasters, dating back to 1933:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elec..._transcription

jr

[init4fun]

Six years later & my RCA 45 player is still going strong. I'd love to post a pic, but, I can't seem to get my pic sized small enough to be posted....

[nasadowsk]

Interestingly, the 45 also changed the jukebox industry.

In 1949, Seeburg shocked the industry with a 100 play machine, taking 50 78 rpm records. This tripped everyone else, who scrambled to catch up.

Then, the offered a “100” that played 45s only (and a trade-in on mechs for operators with the 78 machines - you could slide out the old mech, slide in the new mech in a few minutes).

Well, with a growing fleet of 45-playing machines hungry for records, the pop segment started to pivot to the 45.

Seeburg started to own the market.

Rock-Ola went all-45 shortly after, AMI offered both, but quickly focused of 45s, offering 78 “for locations where the music patrons want is not yet available on 45”. The last two models of AMIs that offered 78 had the same excellent sound system as the 45 machines.

Wurlitzer tried to argue that their outdated changer concept was still wonderful, but gave in after a late start and number of mis-steps (I must be the only one who likes the 48 play machines). Their number one position was forever gone, and Seeburg held the crown for a long time.

Maybe Seeburg wanted to rub it in - the later 50s machines often sported a crown logo or motiff on them. Their stupidly complex mechanism was their downfall, but that wasn’t until the late 70s

[Telecolor 3007]

Very intresting subject.
I guess those bakelite record players (turntables) and the small disc where popular among teens/young people back in the '50's.

[ChrisW6ATV]

I bought nothing but 7-inch 45 RPM records from when I was eleven years old until I was 22, along with various cassette devices to record and play them as well. I still have every one I owned since January 1973.

[Dude111]

Originally Posted by decojoe67

I just acquired one of these 1949 RCA Victor 9EY3 45 record player. This first generation player has a nice large chocolatey bakelite case.

Shes very pretty!!!!!

I hope he still has her!!!

Originally Posted by init4fun

Six years later & my RCA 45 player is still going strong. I'd love to post a pic, but, I can't seem to get my pic sized small enough to be posted....

Upload it here my friend and share the link with us

http://pixhost.to/classic-upload/