A Quick History of Vinyl Pressing
In an age of digital streaming and the algorithm choosing music for you, there's something magical about the warmth of a vinyl record. The crackle, the tangible connection to music history, the choice, and the ritual of playing a record have kept vinyl alive through decades of technological change. Today, vinyl pressing services are experiencing a renaissance, with artists, labels, and music listeners rediscovering the unique appeal of custom pressed vinyl.
Vinyl pressing began in the late 1940s when Columbia Records introduced the 12-inch long-playing (LP) record, spinning at 33⅓ RPM. Made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, (this is what we use today!)—hence the name "vinyl"—these records were a revolutionary improvement over fragile shellac 78s. Shellac 78s, or just “78s” were made from the late 1800s to 1950s and made from shellac material. Shortly after, RCA Victor introduced the 7 inch vinyl pressing format, spinning at 45 RPM, which became the standard for singles. The 45 vinyl pressing format would go on to define popular music for generations, making hit songs accessible and affordable for everyone.
During this time, vinyl record pressing companies and vinyl pressing plants sprouted across America. These record plant vinyl facilities were marvels of industrial precision, where molten vinyl was pressed between metal stampers to create millions of records. The process required skilled technicians, massive hydraulic presses, and quality control that ensured every groove carried the music faithfully.
The 1960s and 70s marked the peak of vinyl production. Most major cities had at least one vinyl record factory churning out albums for local and national artists. Keep in mind that today, there are only about 40 plants left. The process of vinyl pressing became increasingly refined, with plants capable of producing thousands of records daily.
Custom vinyl became indispensable for musicians and labels. The vinyl pressing plant became an essential part of the music industry ecosystem, where creativity met manufacturing detail. Whether you were pressing a full LP or exploring 7 inch vinyl pressing for a single release, these facilities made it possible for music to reach the masses.
The introduction of compact discs in the 1980s doomed vinyl. CD sales skyrocketed, and many vinyl record pressing companies had to close their doors. The vinyl pressing services that survived did so by serving niche markets—audiophiles, DJs, manufacturing CDs, and collectors who recognized that vinyl offered something digital formats couldn't replicate: warmth, character, and a physical connection to the music. By the 1990s, vinyl pressing had become a specialty service rather than a mainstream industry. Many wondered if the art of how to make a custom vinyl record would be lost to history.
Then something unexpected happened. In the mid-2000s, vinyl began its comeback. Musicians and listeners alike rediscovered the format's unique qualities. Independent artists wanted to know how to make a custom vinyl record for their releases. Established acts started offering custom pressed vinyl alongside digital releases. Record Store Day, founded in 2008, accelerated the revival by celebrating physical music formats. In 2023, vinyl records outsold CDs for the first time since 1987, truly showing just how popular they have become again.
Today's vinyl pressing plants blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Computer-controlled presses ensure consistency while maintaining the analog warmth that makes vinyl special. The resurgence has been so significant that pressing plants now face backlog challenges—a good problem to have after decades of decline.
In the United States, companies like us and many others are keeping the tradition going and ensuring that vinyl pressing remains a vibrant art form. By offering quality vinyl pressing services to both established artists and newcomers, we’re helping to preserve the craft that began over 70 years ago. These modern record plant vinyl operations honor the legacy of vinyl while embracing innovation, ensuring that future generations can experience the magic and warmth of a record.
What makes vinyl's resurgence remarkable is that it's not just nostalgic—it's about experiencing music differently. In a world of algorithmic playlists and compressed audio files, custom vinyl offers intentionality. You choose an album, place it on the turntable, and listen to the artist's vision as they intended—from start to finish, with album art in hand.
From the revolutionary introduction of the LP in 1948 to today's boutique custom pressed vinyl releases, vinyl pressing has proven resilient. The format has survived the cassette boom, the CD revolution, and the digital streaming era—not by competing on convenience, but by offering something those formats cannot: a tangible, artistic, and immersive musical experience, and I think that’s here to stay. People are longing for something tangible. No lie, there’s a 19 year old who works at Hellbender who loves working on his vintage car and finding records at vinyl shops. I just recorded an album from someone who uses a flip phone. Despite technology having an ever present and consistent hold on us, a lot of people want something simple, and vinyl is the perfect match.
