Shellaclevyillä

Shellaclevyillä is a Finnish term referring to records made of shellac, a natural resin. These records were popular in the early to mid-20th century, predating the widespread adoption of vinyl. Shellac records are typically black and are more brittle than vinyl, making them susceptible to breakage. They were manufactured in various sizes, with 78 rpm (revolutions per minute) being the standard playback speed.

The shellac compound offered good durability for its time and allowed for relatively sharp sound reproduction. However, the grooves on shellac records are wider and deeper than those on vinyl, contributing to a noisier playback experience with more surface crackle and hiss. Despite these limitations, shellac records were the primary medium for recorded music for decades, preserving a vast archive of early jazz, blues, classical music, and popular songs. Many historically significant recordings exist only on shellac.

The decline of shellac records began in the late 1940s and early 1950s with the introduction and commercial success of vinyl LPs (Long Play) and 45 rpm singles. Vinyl offered superior sound quality, greater durability, and longer playing times, eventually replacing shellac as the dominant record format. Today, shellac records are considered vintage collectibles, sought after by enthusiasts and archivists for their historical and musical significance.