Marconi Velvet-Tone Record
In 1907 the Columbia Phonograph Co. introduced the Marconi Velvet Tone Record, a lightweight semi-flexible phonograph record that consisted of a paper or cardboard core laminated between two sheets of celluloid.
Sound quality was better than the shellac discs of the time, and they were much less prone to breakage. They were more expensive to buy, however, and required a special gold-plated needle since the standard steel needles of the time would damage the softer surface. The releases were from existing Columbia masters, and around 400 titles were issued during their short production run, in both 10 and 12-inch form.
Most discs were single-sided, with a textured surface on the other side to try to prevent the lightweight disc from slipping. The textured side, along with the sleeve, carried warnings about using the wrong type of needle.
Guglielmo Marconi, the name behind long-range radio, actually had nothing to do with the design of the records and simply gave his name and image to them to add some prestige.
The records were a commercial failure and were discontinued in 1908.
Sound quality was better than the shellac discs of the time, and they were much less prone to breakage. They were more expensive to buy, however, and required a special gold-plated needle since the standard steel needles of the time would damage the softer surface. The releases were from existing Columbia masters, and around 400 titles were issued during their short production run, in both 10 and 12-inch form.
Most discs were single-sided, with a textured surface on the other side to try to prevent the lightweight disc from slipping. The textured side, along with the sleeve, carried warnings about using the wrong type of needle.
Guglielmo Marconi, the name behind long-range radio, actually had nothing to do with the design of the records and simply gave his name and image to them to add some prestige.
The records were a commercial failure and were discontinued in 1908.