From the invention of the gramophone to the renaissance of the record: The vinyl cult in Switzerland
From the invention of the gramophone to the renaissance of the record. The world of music was revolutionized by the invention of the gramophone and the record . What began as a technological innovation in the 19th century developed into a cultural movement that continues to fascinate millions of music lovers today. In Switzerland, a passionate community of vinyl fans has emerged who celebrate the analog sound and tactile experience of records .
In this article we delve into the fascinating history of the gramophone and the record , their significance for music history and the ongoing vinyl cult in Switzerland .
The emergence of the gramophone and the record
The beginnings of sound recording: From phonautography to the phonograph
The first attempts to record sound date back to 1857 , when the Frenchman Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville developed the first sound recording device, the phonautograph . However, this device could not reproduce the recorded sound.
It wasn't until 1877 that Thomas Edison , with his phonograph , succeeded in not only storing sound but also playing it back. The phonograph used cylindrical wax cylinders on which the sound was mechanically recorded. However, the technology was expensive and impractical for mass production.
The invention of the gramophone: Emil Berliner and the record
A groundbreaking advance occurred in 1887 , when German inventor Emil Berliner developed the gramophone and the first flat record . Unlike Edison's wax cylinders, Berliner's shellac record could be mass-produced , revolutionizing the music industry.
The gramophone used a groove cut along the side of a rotating disc. The first records were made of shellac and had a playing time of about 3 minutes per side . This development laid the foundation for modern music recording and playback.
The transition to vinyl records
Until the 1940s, shellac records dominated the market. However, they were fragile and offered only limited sound quality. In 1948, the US company Columbia Records introduced the first vinyl record (LP, Long Play) . Vinyl was more durable and allowed for longer playing times of up to 30 minutes per side .
This invention marked the beginning of the golden era of the vinyl record , which lasted until the 1980s before being replaced by digital formats such as the CD and later streaming .
The vinyl cult in Switzerland: A comeback with passion
While records almost completely disappeared from the market in the 1990s and early 2000s, they experienced a remarkable revival starting in 2010. In Switzerland , too, the vinyl cult is stronger than ever. Music lovers and collectors appreciate the format for its analog warmth, the authentic musical experience, and its nostalgic flair .
Why vinyl? The fascination behind the medium
Music lovers prefer vinyl over digital formats for several reasons:
- Unique sound: Vinyl has a warmer and more dynamic sound than digital music formats. Analog playback preserves fine sound details , which is especially important for audiophiles.
- Haptic experience: Putting on a record, touching the cover and reading the lyrics in large-format artwork are experiences that digital formats do not offer.
- Collector's value: Records are not just recording media, but also valuable collector's items . Limited pressings or original editions of classics command high prices on the market.
- Musical rituals: Vinyl demands a conscious engagement with the music . Turning the record over and listening to an entire album creates a more intense connection to the music .
Swiss vinyl culture:
Record stores, collectors and events
An active vinyl scene has developed in Switzerland. In addition to established record stores in Zurich, Basel, Bern, and Lucerne, there are numerous vinyl exchanges and music festivals dedicated to analog sound.
Popular record stores in Switzerland
- 16 Tons Records (Zurich) – Cult record store with a wide selection of new releases and classics.
- Plattfon Records (Basel) – Meeting point for music lovers looking for rarities.
- RecRec (Zurich) – Specialized in independent and alternative music.
- Old Town Record Shop (Bern) – A paradise for vinyl collectors and nostalgics.
Vinyl events and markets
- Swiss Record Fair (Zurich) – One of the largest vinyl exchanges in Switzerland with international dealers.
- Vinyl Market Bern – A meeting place for collectors, DJs and music lovers.
- B-Sides Festival (Lucerne) – A festival focusing on alternative music and vinyl culture.
The future of vinyl: where is it headed?
Although streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music dominate the music market, demand for vinyl continues to grow. Younger generations, in particular, are discovering the magic of vinyl for themselves.
Many artists are re-releasing their albums on vinyl, and more and more new pressing plants are emerging to meet the growing demand. Sustainability is also playing a role: recycled vinyl and environmentally friendly pressing processes are gaining importance.
Conclusion: Vinyl remains a timeless cultural asset
The record has shaped generations of music lovers and remains an important medium for music lovers in Switzerland in 2024. From the invention of the gramophone to the current vinyl boom, it's clear that music is more than just sound—it's an experience, a ritual, and a passion .
Whether collectors, DJs or music enthusiasts – the love of records unites people worldwide and keeps analogue culture alive.
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