LINE

Text:AAAPrint
Ecns wire

Vinyl record production revives in Shanghai after 22 years

1
2018-05-17 11:12:51Ecns.cn Mo Hong'e ECNS App Download

(ECNS) -- Twenty-two years after China’s last vinyl record production line was shut down, a workshop has opened in Shanghai as fans of the retro music format see signs of a comeback.

China produced its first vinyl record in the 1920s in Shanghai, and then its first LP in September 1958. As music formats evolved from LPs to CDs to online digital formats, vinyl record production lines closed all over the world, with the last one in China shut down in 1996.

But vinyl seems to have never left the music world. Some diehard fans believe the format sounds better, adds depth and texture, and represents a sense of ritual when listeners put records carefully on a player.

Zhang Limin, general manager of China Record Corp. (CRC), said restarting the production line will serve the resurgence of vinyl, and is also due to the rich resources at CRC.

“We wish to build a platform to develop vinyl in China and explore other possibilities through this music form,” said Zhang.

A senior craftsman polishes a vinyl record.  (Photo/China News Service)

CRC has imported a fully automated production system from Germany. Some engineers, although retired, have actively promoted its renaissance.

Qiu Zhoulong, 68, joined the CRC project last year and has taught younger people the techniques, saying he has a special feeling for vinyl records.

A vinyl store named Uptown in a Shanghai underground room attracts many visitors every day. A staff member said vinyl has surged in popularity the last two years, but the main buyers are still those over 30 years old.

A senior craftsman scrutinizes a vinyl record. (Photo/China News Service)

Han Bing, deputy director of the academic disciplines office at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, said vinyl records are making a comeback in the world, and that the Chinese market also will see increasing demand.

A woman looks into a vinyl record carving machine. (Photo/China News Service)

  

Related news

MorePhoto

Most popular in 24h

MoreTop news

MoreVideo

News
Politics
Business
Society
Culture
Military
Sci-tech
Entertainment
Sports
Odd
Features
Biz
Economy
Travel
Travel News
Travel Types
Events
Food
Hotel
Bar & Club
Architecture
Gallery
Photo
CNS Photo
Video
Video
Learning Chinese
Learn About China
Social Chinese
Business Chinese
Buzz Words
Bilingual
Resources
ECNS Wire
Special Coverage
Infographics
Voices
LINE
Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©1999-2018 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.