Did vinyl sales just hit the proverbial brick wall?


Interesting read here about the state of vinyl. Personally, I had no idea what the percentage of vinyl sales was “merchandise” never to be opened or played.

 

https://tedgioia.substack.com/p/did-the-music-business-just-kill?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

128x128wturkey

Exactly why is the article cited by theOP poorly researched?  He shows some data and then admits he is speculating as to the causes.  His speculations sound reasonable and worthy of discussion.  Why do new lps sell for $40?

@mahler123 -audiophile releases are generally $40 and up. They use better vinyl, are better pressed with less pressings per stamper and are typically remastered which takes extra skilled labor. Regular LPs go for $20-30, depending on the label.

my friend @limomangus - CD sales are shrinking. Maybe used prices are making a comeback, but not new ones. In many cases,you can’tgive them away. SACDs are a small niche in that market, and I don’t think their sales are broken out separately. I wouldn’t be surprised if SACD sales are doing much better than standard ones. 

YES ,I Know about the CD market,I was talking about used Cds.I had  one guy giving me  like 100 cds for $10 bucks... lol.

In 1971 I bought my first copy of Sticky Fingers for $2.97.  Adjusted for inflation to 2023, that's $29.33.  Given the heavier quality 180 gram vinyl, the remastering etc... I don't see that $35 - $40 is that big stretch.  I think we get all tied up in what things used to cost.  Stop me before I say "why when I was your age...."  😆

Vinyl records are the number one selling physical medium for music. They still only make up a small slice of total music revenue when you factor in streaming. All age groups are buying vinyl, and turntables are becoming a ’thing’ to have in the home again. In 2021 turntables were the number one entertainment device sold on Amazon during the holiday season. There are countless turntable manufactures in operation today. Cartridge choices are endless. The product itself, the vinyl record, as a physical product that includes artwork and often more, it’s not just rented electrons. On higher end systems vinyl records just sound better than pure digital recordings, and that physicality is more involving-- for some. There is a ritual aspect to it. It’s not about convenience. In the end, convenience usually wins over consumers, but not for everything and not for everyone. Vinyl records will not vanish along with the boomers. It’s not going anywhere anytime soon.