gif
gif
gif
gif
gif
gif
gif
gif
gif
gif
gif
You are here, you will find information about Discs in this section This will take you to information and photos of Radio Transcriptions This will take you to information and photos of Cardboard Discs This will take you to information and photos of Uncoated Aluminum Discs This will take you to information and photos of Lacquer (acetate) Discs This will take you to information and photos of Thin Plastic Discs This will take you to information and photos of early RCA Pregrooved Discs BLUEBAR
         Old Recordings    Discs    Tapes    Wires    Dictation Belts    Other Media

RCA Pre-grooved Recording Blanks
These were introduced in 1930 as a means by which amateurs could record broadcast fragments and capture the sound of home events on the new RCA radio phonograph combinations, Even the press of that time accurately cautioned that the fidelity of these discs was limited. By 1934 or so they had pretty well disappeared.

PHOTO PHOTO PHOTO
       First label, 1930      Later label                  World's Fair Label

Instead of recording within the pre-cut groove walls, the stylus vibrated along their tops, spreading them apart and embossing a signal partway down. Loud sounds are usually retrievable but the softer ones can be problematic. Still, some important events may survive only in this format and be worth the extensive work. They came in sizes up to 12", about 4 minutes long, but the up-to-two minute 6" ones are most common.

COSTS: They cost $ 100 to 300 per side to get back limited, reasonably satisfactory results. Making your copy from the restored signal including assembling the selections into playing sequence, 14 to 36 discs per side is $ 40 for the first CD, $ 20 each thereafter.


smolians@erols.com         Phone:301-694-5134

Logo drawing by Steve Stiles

This site ©2001 Steven Smolian. rev 1