This describes, albeit briefly, the making of a record. It is not possible, within the space of this booklet, to describe each process fully - to do this would call for a substantial book. For the same reason it is impossible to give details of all the operations and devices that are designed to keep the record spotlessly clean during manufacture - from the cutting of the first groove in the original lacquer disc to the moment when the finished record is packed in its protective sleeve.

When this record reaches the consumer the chances are many thousands to one that it is-so far as human ingenuity and an almost fantastic degree of care can make it - perfect. Treated with the care that it surely deserves, it will remain like this almost indefinitely.

Left: Stylus in record groove.

Keeping the Record Right

Because the LP record is unbreakable (in ordinary circumstances), it is apparently believed by a great many people to be also undamageable. This is very far from being so: its delicate groove, which may make as many as 1,000 revolutions on one side of a 12-inch record, is all too easily damaged by dust, grease and imperfect playing equipment. Any damage will necessarily impair the quality of the sound that has been so ingeniously and painstakingly recorded, will shorten the record's life, and is likely also to damage the equipment that plays it - which, in turn, will then damage other records. A record is a precious thing, a costly thing. To fail to take care of it is tantamount to throwing away money. If you are to get the best return from your investment in it, it needs to be protected from its enemies - namely dust, grease, and static electricity.