We put the new pocket-size vinyl format to the test—with mixed results
In a fascinating development for music enthusiasts and collectors alike, the newly launched Tiny Vinyl format is making waves in the industry. This innovative miniature vinyl single, measuring just 4 inches, is the result of a collaboration between a veteran of the toy industry and the world’s largest vinyl record manufacturer. Unlike traditional records, Tiny Vinyl singles are pressed using a process remarkably similar to that of standard 12-inch LPs or 7-inch singles, but with a delightful twist: everything is smaller. These charming records feature a standard-size spindle hole, play at 33⅓ RPM, and can hold up to four minutes of music per side, making them an appealing option for both casual listeners and serious collectors.
The Tiny Vinyl format is already gaining traction with a variety of artists, ranging from emerging acts like The Band Loula and Rainbow Kitten Surprise to established names such as Blake Shelton and Melissa Etheridge. This fall, Tiny Vinyl is set to make a significant impact in the retail space, having partnered with the US retail giant Target to launch 44 exclusive titles. This exciting collaboration aims to introduce these unique records to a wider audience, starting with promotional copies featuring tracks from former America’s Got Talent finalist Grace VanderWaal, the country pop duo Florida Georgia Line, and the iconic Vince Guaraldi Trio.
To assess the quality and experience of these Tiny Vinyl records, I had the opportunity to test several titles on my Audio Technica LP-120 direct drive manual turntable, which was connected to a Yamaha S-301 integrated amplifier and vintage Klipsch KG4 speakers. The sound quality was impressive, showcasing the craftsmanship that goes into producing these miniatures. As the music played, it was clear that Tiny Vinyl not only captures the nostalgia of traditional vinyl but also offers a fresh and playful take on music consumption. With the upcoming exclusive releases at Target, Tiny Vinyl is poised to attract a new generation of vinyl enthusiasts and collectors, merging the charm of physical media with the accessibility of contemporary retail.
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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