[78-L] 1923 Columbia Demonstration Record Sleeve

[Ron L'Herault]

Thanks!

Ron L

-----Original Message-----
From: 78-l-bounces at klickitat.78online.com [mailto:78-l-bounces at klickitat.78online.com] On Behalf Of Inigo Cubillo
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2016 4:43 PM
To: 78-l at klickitat.78online.com
Subject: Re: [78-L] 1923 Columbia Demonstration Record Sleeve


Yes. The new process was merely a clever trick for improving the shellac record quality without increasing noticeably it's cost. The shellac record formula was divided in two different mixtures; one, coarser, for the record core, and another much more finely grinded, and with more shellac content, to be used on the outer surfaces. Both mixtures were pressed one over the other in layers, separated by intermediate cellulose tissue layers. The result was the laminated shellac record, with coarser core and finer record surfaces. The resulting records were somewhat quieter.
The fabrication process was more complex, but it must not have been a drawback, for American Columbia used it until... 1945?, as did other Columbia European branches (France, Italy, Germany, Turkey...). In the UK this process was abandoned.
In Spain it was used by Columbia, Odeon and Parlophon, until 1933. Then the EMI amalgamation took effect in Spain and the laminated records disappeared, as in England. Gramophone of Barcelona took over Odeon and Regal and killed Parlophon, producing only standard shellac records since then. The new process in Spain ended, and all points to a British Columbia owned patent. Our independent Columbia was forced to stop operation. The Spanish Columbia agents then used their american agreement side (by then the American Columbia, amalgamated into ARC, was again independent from the British branch, amalgamated into EMI) to continue operating under a new society, also named Columbia, but completely independent from European EMI branches, and completely a Spanish venture. They never produced again the laminated records.

Saludos,

Iñigo
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