The creation of a vinyl record is a fascinating blend of artistry and engineering. For decades, Indian vinyl records have carried the soulful melodies of Bollywood classics, regional folk music, and devotional hymns. While digital formats dominate today, vinyl remains cherished for its warm, authentic sound. But how exactly are these records made? From recording studios to pressing plants, here’s a detailed look at the journey of an Indian vinyl record.
Step 1: Recording the Music
The process begins in the recording studio, where musicians, singers, and sound engineers collaborate to create the final audio. In the golden era of Indian cinema (1950s–1980s), recordings were done live with full orchestras. Legendary composers like R.D. Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and Naushad worked with large ensembles, capturing performances in a single take on analog tape.
Modern vinyl productions may start with digital recordings, but for an authentic analog sound, some artists still record directly to tape. The raw audio is then mixed and mastered specifically for vinyl, ensuring optimal sound quality.
Step 2: Mastering for Vinyl
Unlike digital formats, vinyl has physical limitations. Low-frequency sounds (like heavy bass) can cause the needle to jump, while high frequencies must be carefully balanced to prevent distortion. A vinyl mastering engineer adjusts the audio to suit these constraints:
- Bass frequencies are centered (mono) to prevent excessive groove movement.
- High frequencies are rolled off slightly to avoid harshness.
- Dynamic range is preserved to maintain the music’s natural warmth.
For classic Indian records, mastering was done using analog equipment. Today, some reissues use digital tools, but audiophiles prefer records mastered from original tapes for the truest sound.
Step 3: Cutting the Lacquer Master
Once the audio is mastered, it’s time to create a lacquer disc. A cutting lathe etches the sound waves into a soft aluminum disc coated with nitrocellulose lacquer. A diamond-tipped stylus moves in response to the audio signal, carving grooves into the surface.
This step is critical—any mistake means starting over. Legendary cutting engineers like Daman Sood (who worked with HMV India) ensured that classic Bollywood records had the best possible sound.
Step 4: Creating the Metal Stamper
The lacquer disc is too soft for mass production, so it’s used to make a metal stamper:
- Electroplating – The lacquer is coated in silver and submerged in a nickel bath, creating a negative metal copy (the “father”).
- Mother & Stamper – The father is used to produce positive “mother” copies, which are then plated again to make stampers.
- Quality Check – Each stamper is inspected for defects before pressing.
A single stamper can press about 1,000–2,000 records before wearing out. For large orders, multiple stampers are made.
Step 5: Pressing the Vinyl
Now comes the most iconic part—the actual record pressing. Traditional Indian vinyl records were pressed at plants like The Gramophone Company of India (HMV) in Mumbai and Kolkata. Here’s how it works:
- Vinyl Pellets – Raw PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pellets are mixed with additives for durability and clarity. Some colored or marbled records use dyes at this stage.
- Biscuit Formation – The pellets are melted into a thick puck called a “biscuit.”
- Stamping – The biscuit is placed between two stampers (one for each side) and pressed under 100+ tons of pressure at high heat.
- Cooling & Trimming – The record is cooled, excess vinyl is trimmed off, and the edges are smoothed.
Each record is visually inspected for defects like warping or non-fill (missing grooves).
Step 6: Quality Testing & Packaging
Before leaving the factory, random records are tested for sound quality. A technician plays them on a turntable, checking for:
- Surface noise (unwanted crackles or pops)
- Skips or distortion
- Proper centering
Once approved, the records are sleeved in:
- Inner sleeves (anti-static or paper to protect the grooves)
- Outer jackets (featuring iconic artwork, like the classic HMV “dog & gramophone” logo)
Step 7: Distribution & Legacy
In their heyday, Indian vinyl records were sold at music stores, street markets, and even door-to-door by distributors. Today, vintage records are highly collectible, while new pressings cater to audiophiles and nostalgic fans.
Why Vinyl Sounds Different in India
- Shellac 78 RPM Records – Early Indian records (pre-1960s) were made of shellac, a brittle material that produced a distinct, warm tone.
- Regional Pressings – Records pressed in smaller plants (like Chennai or Delhi) sometimes had variations in sound quality.
- Handling & Storage – Climate (heat/humidity) affected vinyl longevity, making well-preserved records rare treasures today.
The Revival of Indian Vinyl
Modern artists like A.R. Rahman and indie bands are releasing new music on vinyl. Companies like Mumbai Vinyl Press and Azadi Records are reviving the craft, blending old-school techniques with modern demand.
Final Thoughts
The making of an Indian vinyl record is a labor of love—from the musicians’ performances to the engineers’ precision cutting and pressing. Each record carries not just music, but a piece of cultural history. Whether you’re spinning a vintage Kishore Kumar LP or a new indie release, the magic of vinyl lies in its tangible, enduring connection to sound.
