While rummaging through my record collection a few days ago, I ran across a couple direct-to-disc LP's pressed on white vinyl. These also were recorded at 45 rpm.
Back in the day, I was busy buying every new d-to-d big band record I could lay hands upon, plus a number of rock albums.
Shortly after I bought the white pressings, I read somewhere that these were quite delicate and did not wear well with repeated playings, so I filed them away and did not subject them to further use.
Supposedly, the black color in most records comes from some compound (carbon?) which is added for strength.
I know there have been a number of records pressed in different colors (particularly 45 rpm singles), plus the ever popular "picture records" and I imagine the same dictum would apply to them.
Any chemistry major out there who can shed light on this subject? Is it for real, or just an old wife's tale?
