If you grew up in the 1950s, you probably remember playing your favorite 45 rpm disc recordings on an automatic record player. It seemed as if everyone had one -- or wanted one! Now you can relive the history of those records with the big center hole and the fabulous machines that played them -- both highly prized by collectors today. Read about the trials and tribulations of the engineers and managers at RCA Victor Corporation, which nearly decided not to introduce the new players to the product line after all. Then enjoy hundreds of color photographs showcasing "45" models produced by RCA and other licensed manufacturers. Captions provide descriptions, model numbers and names, original selling prices, and current values. There are also magazine ads and dealer sheets, tips on dating models, RCA memorabilia, and more. And for those who are technically inclined, a final section provides repair and restoration tips. With some care, these fascinating machines will continue turning for another fifty years! AUTHOR: Phil Vourtsis has been collecting and repairing phonographs and radios for over thirty years. A resident of New Jersey, he is president of the New Jersey Antique Radio Club and has been editor of the 45 RPM Phono Gazette since 1995.
