We put the new pocket-size vinyl format to the test—with mixed results
This fall, the music industry is buzzing with the introduction of Tiny Vinyl, a groundbreaking miniature vinyl single format that has emerged from a unique collaboration between a seasoned toy industry veteran and the world’s largest vinyl record manufacturer. These 4-inch singles are crafted using a pressing process that mirrors the techniques used for standard 12-inch LPs and 7-inch singles, but with a charmingly compact twist. Each Tiny Vinyl record features a standard-size spindle hole, plays at 33⅓ RPM, and can accommodate up to four minutes of music per side. This innovative format is not just a novelty; it represents a fresh avenue for artists to connect with fans and offer a tactile, collectible experience.
As Tiny Vinyl prepares for its grand debut, it has already attracted attention from both emerging artists and established names in the music industry. Notable acts such as The Band Loula, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Blake Shelton, and Melissa Etheridge have begun to explore this new format, showcasing its versatility across various genres. The partnership with retail giant Target marks a significant milestone, as Tiny Vinyl will launch 44 exclusive titles by the end of the year. Among the promotional copies sent out for review are records from former America’s Got Talent finalist Grace VanderWaal, the country-pop duo Florida Georgia Line, and jazz legends the Vince Guaraldi Trio.
In a personal testing experience, the Tiny Vinyl records were played on an Audio Technica LP-120 direct drive manual turntable connected to a Yamaha S-301 integrated amplifier, paired with vintage Klipsch KG4 speakers. The results were impressive, with sound quality that rivals traditional vinyl formats while offering a unique aesthetic appeal. The Tiny Vinyl format not only caters to audiophiles seeking something new but also taps into the growing trend of collectible music formats, making it an exciting development for both artists and fans alike. As the music industry continues to evolve, Tiny Vinyl stands out as a creative solution for artists looking to engage with their audience in innovative ways while embracing the nostalgia and tactile joy of vinyl records.
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.
Read full article
Comments
