We put the new pocket-size vinyl format to the test—with mixed results
The music industry is witnessing an innovative twist with the introduction of Tiny Vinyl, a new miniature vinyl single format that has emerged from a collaboration between a toy industry veteran and the world’s largest vinyl record manufacturer. This fresh take on vinyl features 4-inch singles that are produced using a process akin to that of traditional 12-inch LPs and 7-inch singles, but with a compact design. Each Tiny Vinyl record boasts a standard-size spindle hole and spins at 33⅓ RPM, accommodating up to four minutes of music per side. This format not only caters to collectors who appreciate unique and novel releases but also serves as a playful nod to the nostalgia of vinyl records, appealing to both seasoned audiophiles and new listeners alike.
As Tiny Vinyl gears up for its official launch this fall, it has already garnered attention from both emerging and established artists. Notable names such as Blake Shelton, Melissa Etheridge, and indie favorites like The Band Loula and Rainbow Kitten Surprise have begun to explore this format, showcasing its versatility across various music genres. The partnership with retail giant Target marks a significant milestone for Tiny Vinyl, with 44 exclusive titles set to be released by the end of the year. Promotional copies of songs from artists like Grace VanderWaal and the Vince Guaraldi Trio have been made available for testing, allowing enthusiasts to experience the sound quality and charm of these miniature records firsthand. Reviews from early listeners highlight the engaging auditory experience, and the format’s compact size makes it a fun addition to any vinyl collection, perfect for those who enjoy both the aesthetic and functional aspects of music storage.
For those interested in experiencing Tiny Vinyl, a recent hands-on review revealed the format’s potential to deliver quality sound while maintaining its unique appeal. Testing was conducted using an Audio Technica LP-120 turntable connected to a Yamaha S-301 integrated amplifier and vintage Klipsch kg4 speakers, showcasing how these small records can still produce rich audio experiences. As the Tiny Vinyl format gains traction, it represents a creative intersection of music and collectible culture, inviting listeners to rediscover the joy of vinyl in a new, compact form. With the upcoming exclusive releases through Target, Tiny Vinyl is poised to make a significant impact on the music retail landscape, encouraging both collectors and casual listeners to embrace this innovative format.
We recently
looked at Tiny vinyl
, a new miniature vinyl single format developed through a collaboration between a toy industry veteran and the world’s largest vinyl record manufacturer. The 4-inch singles are pressed in a process nearly identical to standard 12-inch LPs or 7-inch singles, except everything is smaller. They have a standard-size spindle hole and play at 33⅓ RPM, and they hold up to four minutes of music per side.
Several smaller bands, like The Band Loula and Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and some industry veterans like Blake Shelton and Melissa Etheridge, have already experimented with the format. But Tiny Vinyl partnered with US retail giant Target for its big coming-out party this fall, with
44 exclusive titles
launching throughout the end of this year.
Tiny Vinyl supplied a few promotional copies of releases from former America’s Got Talent finalist Grace VanderWaal, The Band Loula, country pop stars Florida Georgia Line, and jazz legends the Vince Guaraldi Trio so I could get a first-hand look at how the records actually play. I tested these titles as well as several others I picked up at retail, playing them on an Audio Technica LP-120 direct drive manual turntable connected to a Yamaha S-301 integrated amplifier and playing through a pair of vintage Klipsch kg4 speakers.
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