HISTORIC c1932 12" 33 ⅓ RCA LP : STOKOWSKI / NUTCRACKER PROGRAM TRANSCRIPTION
£
25
$
33
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Description
From the earliest dawn of the 12" 33⅓ LP record, this lovely artefact dates back to around 1932/1933, when RCA Victor briefly produced the first records with the same speed and size as the albums which became the main currency of the music industry well over a decade later.
These early-1930s "Program Transcriptions" were not intended - as the name might suggest - for radio play but were sold to consumers who owned one of the new (and very expensive) twin-speed phonographs from Victor - see photo of 1932 Canadian newspaper clipping, which is NOT included in the lot, and included in this listing only for background information and interest.
The cost of the equipment, and the Great Depression, halted the progress of these revolutionary new records, which in their 12" versions, could hold some 15 minutes per side and were made of a new product, vinyl-based Victrolac. (When the standard LP was introduced in 1948, the grooves - microgrooves - were much narrower).
Some of the great names of music had classic recordings issued on these c1931-1933 transcription discs. This recording of the Nutcracker Suite by Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra (L-7004) brought together music that had filled THREE 78rpm shellac discs: Overture Minature / Danse de La Fee Dragee / Danse Arabee // Danse Chinoise / Dance Des Mirlitons / Valse Des Fleurs
Also included in the lot, in superb condition, is the original RCA Victor customer notice that was included with these records, explaining how they should be played.
Important note for casual browsers: please don't expect this record to play well on a standard modern turntable. Although I'm not an expert in this field, I understand the record, while its spin-speed is 33⅓, really needs a specialist stylus and probably an adjusted tracking weight, owing to the size of the grooves. So unless your interest in this piece is simply as an historic artefact, to avoid disappointment, please bid only if you're confident you have access to suitable equipment
The Condition Description and pictures aim to give an accurate portrayal of the disc's condition, so please do check those out.
The record does not have its original generic RCA jacket and I have housed it in a Nagaoka anti-static sleeve within an outer polypropylene cover.
For transit, it will be carefully sealed between two layers of card, in a new and sturdy LP mailing envelope.
Postage is free of charge to the winning bidder within the UK but bids are also welcome under the eBay Global Shipping Programme (for overseas sales, eBay will add the cost of shipping from UK to international destinations).
Thanks for looking and good luck if you decide to bid.
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