Shellacs or 78s, also called coarse groove gramophone discs, were the main mass produced audio format of the first half of the 20th century. The shellac discs were pressed from a wax matrix that was made during a professional recording.
How do I know if my record is shellac?
Shellac is know to be heavier, harder, colder and more rigid. Hold it up by an edge and knock on it. It should almost resonate in a kind of a way. Generally a lot thicker than regular vinyl, but sometimes it's hard to tell.
Can I play shellac records on my turntable?
Answer: Yes, Audio-Technica's popular AT-LP120-USB and AT-LP1240-USB turntables will allow the platter to play at the 78 RPM speed. But the correct speed is only part of the solution – a proper 78 RPM stylus should also be used when playing 78 RPM records on your turntable.
Are 78 shellac records worth anything?
The vast majority of 78rpm shellac discs aren't worth that much. It seems Asian ones are worth generally more than ones from other areas of the world. What makes something valuable is availability and desirability. If its a common 78rpm where thousands or millions were sold, it won't fetch for too much.
What were shellac records made of?
The old-stlye 78rpm "shellac" record was made of a molding material that we now call a thermoplastic ("melts with heat"), in which shellac was greatly extended by assorted neutral filler materials, among them the carbon black which gives the black look to most records.
25 related questions foundAre all 78 records shellac?
The materials of which discs were made and with which they were coated were also various; shellac eventually became the commonest material. Generally 78s are made of a brittle material which uses a shellac resin (thus their other name is shellac records).
When did they stop making shellac records?
The earliest discs are made of a shellac-type material with various fillers. Shellac 78s were produced commercially from 1897 until the late 1950s, but their use declined steadily after World War II as music recording labels shifted toward lacquered records.
What are the rarest 78 records?
Chasing The World's Rarest 78 RPM Records
- Hear a few notable recordings from the 78 RPM era, as picked by guests Amanda Petrusich & Chris King:
- Geeshie Wiley, "Last Kind Word Blues"
- Willie Brown, "Future Blues"
- Skip James, "Devil Got My Woman"
- Blind Uncle Gaspard, "Sur Le Borde de L'eau"
- Sylvester Weaver, "Guitar Rag"
How much are Elvis Presley 78 records worth?
The 78 rpm record, with its tattered yellow label, was once valued at $500,000 by Record Collector magazine, but in reality sold for $240,000 dollars (£160,000) in the Graceland auction. With a 25% auction house premium of $60,000 dollars (£40,000), the total buyer price came to $300,000.
What is the most valuable 78 record?
Tommy Johnson's 1930 cut 'Alcohol and Jake Blues' goes for $37,100 on eBay. An original Paramount Records blues release has become the most expensive 78rpm record ever sold after a buyer forked out $37,100 in an online auction.
What kind of records do gramophones play?
A gramophone record (or just record) is a type of analog storage medium. It stores recorded music (or other sounds). It was popular during most of the 20th century. Gramophone records are played on a phonograph ("record player").
Can you play new records on an old record player?
New record players will likely only play old records of the 33 ⅓ and 45 rpm (revolutions per minute) speeds. Some specialty players might provide playback for the even older 78s if equipped with speed controls for that particular rpm.
What's the difference between a vinyl and a record?
Records are made from several types of materials in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Vinyl is a specific material that records are made of. The terms are often used interchangeably since all modern records are normally made of vinyl.
Is vinyl better than shellac?
Shellac records have a rather high noise floor, much higher than vinyl. Most people regard vinyl as by far superior in sound quality; in fact, the only exception I know to this rule is a Dutch DJ who is fond of early 20th century music. Shellac records are usually 78 rpm records.
How can you tell the difference between shellac and lacquer?
Polyurethane, Shellac, Varnish and Lacquer – Use a cotton swab with acetone on it and apply to the wood. If it becomes tacky, than it is shellac or varnish and if it beads, it has a polyurethane finish. If it is lacquer, the lacquer will dissolve completely.
What was before vinyl record?
What is Vinyl? Calling records “vinyl” is much like calling a fence “wood” or a surfboard “fiberglass.” Vinyl is the material the record is made of. And before vinyl was shellac and before shellac were gigantic cylinders made of zinc and glass. But that was way back in '87… 18-87.
Are 45 vinyl records worth anything?
Rock and roll and R&B 45s with the cardboard sleeves are worth at least $20, with many being worth more than $200. First pressings of albums have more value than second, third, or subsequent pressings.
How much is Elvis Presley Christmas album worth?
Elvis Presley: “Elvis Christmas Album” (1957 RCA LP, red vinyl) — $18,000.
Are Elvis 45s worth anything?
Elvis Presley's complete Sun Records 45s could be yours for $32,500.
What is the most sought after 45 rpm records?
The 10 most expensive vinyl records ever sold
- The Beatles: Yesterday & Today - $125,000. ...
- John Lennon & Yoko Ono: Double Fantasy - $150,000. ...
- The Beatles: Sgt. ...
- Elvis Presley: 'My Happiness' - $300,000. ...
- The Beatles: The Beatles (White Album) - $790,000. ...
- Wu-Tang Clan: Once Upon a Time in Shaolin - $2 million.
What are rare 45 records?
The most valuable vinyl records on Earth, from The Beatles to The Sex Pistols
- The Sex Pistols, God Save The Queen canceled single: $10,000 to $20,000. ...
- Frank Wilson, Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) 45 rpm in plain sleeve: $37,000. ...
- Aphex Twin, Caustic Window test pressing: $46,000.
Are old 33 records worth anything?
Rare and Valuable LPs (33 RPM)
Some sell for $1000 or more. “Most collected artists” records have the highest values. Most “Fans” LPs made after 1970 sell for $10 or more and some made before 1970 sell for $100+.
Do they still make shellac?
Shellac is available at most hardware or paint stores in clear or white shellac or orange shellac, which imparts an orange-red tint to natural wood.
Are old 78s worth anything?
He said that on average a rare jazz 78 might sell for $1,500 to $5,000, whereas sales for a comparable blues record would start at $5,000.
Do shellac records melt?
Shellac records are incredibly fragile, and if stored or placed in unhealthy conditions for the record, it won't take long for them to break. PVC or vinyl records are more durable than shellac records. However, they are weak to increased temperatures. They will warp if the temperatures exceed a certain level.
