Colored Vinyl Records | Record Head

The Vibrant World of Colored Vinyl

While black vinyl has become popular again in recent years, colored vinyl has also made a resurgence due to its rarity. Many artists follow the trend of releasing special-edition colored records, which become coveted collector’s items. Whether you’re hunting down a rare colored vinyl from your favorite artist or want to know more about the history of this vinyl type, Record Head is your answer. We’re committed to sourcing limited-edition colored vinyl records, helping fans like you discover rare finds in our constantly changing inventory.

What Makes Colored Vinyl Special?

Colored records were once a novelty among a sea of black shellac records. Some of the first colored editions came from Vocalion Records and Columbia Records in the 1910s and 1930s, with the companies releasing red and blue 78s, respectively. Produced for aesthetic appeal, colored varieties stood out among regular black records but were not yet frequently made.

Compared to record companies’ original purpose of experimenting with new shellac colors for promotions, musicians release colored vinyl today to please fans with limited-time editions and display their artistic creativity. A plethora of colors and designs, like splatter, marble and picture disc, can represent or complement the music itself to build upon the listening experience and other visual components, like album artwork. Records then become art pieces that music lovers display in their homes.

Because artists also offer store-specific variants — such as exclusives from indie shops and big retailers — and do special releases for Record Store Day and reissues, these factors increase the rarity of colored vinyl. Musicians may even increase the exclusivity through autographed or artist-direct editions, which causes the records’ value to appreciate over time.

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Colored Vinyl Sound Quality: Myths and Facts

Despite the beauty and appeal of colored records, listeners often attribute a lower sound quality to them.

Black records gain their hue through the addition of carbon to the clear PVC material. Introducing additional colored dyes can alter sound quality on a small scale, but this depends on the integrity of the production process. Modern innovations in record production technology, such as the switch from shellac to PVC, have made it easier to create colored vinyl with little to no reduction in sound quality.

Multicolored albums like splatter and marble records may have more sound variation due to the amount of dyes used, but this is usually only noticeable to the most dedicated audiophiles. The biggest factors that influence sound are the vinyl’s weight, the quality of the original pressing, the mastering process and the type of record player you own.

The Hunt for Colored Vinyl at Record Head

When you choose Record Head as your go-to vinyl supplier, you get numerous benefits over mass retailers, including:

Invaluable expertise from our staff in identifying genuine records.
Affordable prices, even on rarities.
The communal experience of connecting with music lovers at a local record store.
Online shipping for those who don’t live in town.

As you look for colored vinyl records, consider these things to improve your experience:

Know the different color variants from your chosen artist, along with their respective values.
Know how to read sound quality ratings and identify bootlegs.
Learn the optimal display techniques for showing off your treasures.
Store your records the right way to extend their lifespan.
Build a meaningful collection by balancing your investment in rare finds with personal enjoyment.

Visit Record Head for Your Next Colored Vinyl Discovery

The staff at Record Head care about vinyl and its colorful history as much as you do, and our passion shows in our knowledge and customer service. With regular new arrivals, competitive pricing on limited editions and staff knowledge you won’t get anywhere else, shopping at Record Head for your next find is an unmatched experience.

Stay updated on our newest colored vinyl for sale and visit us in person when something catches your eye. You can also get in touch with us to buy, sell and trade records — we’re your all-in-one store.