Red Raven Records
01.05.08 By Collin David
The array of deceptively simple technologies that have been incorporated into classic vinyl records reveals new things to me every day. Of course, there’s my beloved voice-o-graph and its home-based version, the recordio disc, as well as the experimental Gakken turntable, and Derek explored the use of x-rays as recording devices in Soviet Russia. I’ve only recently come to find out about the amazing existence of Red Raven Records.
I’m an avid animation junkie, so alongside my love of bizarre vinyl and optics, Red Raven Records are a great example of something that beautifully combines all three, predating the use of any kind of digital effects. Each of these was a regular 78 record with the requisite single song on each side. At the center of each was also the requisite label – except in the case of Red Raven records, the label was a bit larger than usual. Printed around the edges of this label were 16 small cartoons, each a single frame of animation. Using the natural spin of the record on the turntable, these images produced a second or so of looped animation while spinning, when reflected off of a central bank of mirrors.
The technology is not unlike that of a zoetrope, though in the case of these records, the optical device used is actually a praxinoscope, a device which succeeded the zoetrope, and which offered improved viewing quality – mostly in that one no longer had to view everything through a tiny slit. Instead of the usual cylindrical slip of animation that these devices usually use, the angle of the mirrors in the Red Raven praxinoscope allows the images to lay flat on a disc – something that the record itself provides an excellent medium for. In the case of these Red Raven records, this central mirror is also called the ‘carousel’, since it’s decorated, well, like a carousel. It’s also a rare device, far less common than the music / animation discs themselves.
The animations, which can be viewed in this YouTube video, corresponded thematically with the music on the disc itself, and in the case of every animation, the end of the visual loop deftly incorporated itself back into the beginning of the loop, creating a hypnotic crowd of swirling bunnies or dancing children ad infinitum. 20 of these were produced by Red Raven, and are some of the more highly hunted childrens’ record collectibles.
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Article Tags: 78, album, praxinoscope, record, Recordio, Red Raven Records, vinyl, voice-o-graph, zoetrope================
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January 5th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Very, very cool! Me want!
April 10th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Dear friend,
Under Kempa.com I have a number of requests to buy a carousel for 78 Red Raven records. Two years have gone by and I am still looking for the carousel and records. I am a collector and repairer of rare gramophones. I like to collect these gizmos and gadgets for 78 rpm records.
I live in Singapore.My email address is included this time. Thank you.
April 10th, 2008 at 7:43 am
I have no knowledge where to find these, but they show up on eBay from time to time. A full set made an appearance there just a few months ago, as this article was written.
July 15th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Dear friend, your excellent article on “finding out the marvels of the Red Raven Records provides excellent reading from a another collector (Incidentally , how do I join the Collectors Club ? )
I am still looking for a carousel after which i will buy these RRRs. two year ago i left a note /request on website Kempas but I do not know how much publicity the advert got. Now I would consider it an honour to hear from you and possibly an idea how I can go loking for this gadget. For the sheer joy of seeing this on my tirntable I think I would make one provided I had a little more info on the gadget.
July 15th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Hello, Mr. Row!
As you see, I’ve actually responded to you back in April – the best bet to find one of these is to set up an alert on eBay, who can notify you whenever items matching the keywords ‘red raven’ are listed. Being in Singapore, I don’t think that you have access to many tag sales which might have these items, but that would be my other suggestion.
Good luck!
September 10th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I am currently compiling a discography of Red Raven Movie Records which I hope will eventually be published in “For The Record” which is the official mag for The City of London Phonograph Society and only circulated to members
I have seen on the website that you have some knowledge of this interesting label and wondered if you’d be kind enough to share any info you have on any issues in England, USA or Sweden – or for that matter any other country.
The info I require is
Cat No.
Title
Artists
wax colour
No of issue on reverse (i.e. coupling details)
I would be most grateful for any help and will give due credit when and if my article appears
Regards
Albert Pattison
September 10th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I’m afraid that the extent of my knowledge is completely presented here. I would suggest contacting the person who posted the YouTube video linked here!
January 8th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I have quite a few of the Red Raven Magic Mirror 78 rpm records along with the carousel. They are in excellent condition. How much are they worth?
January 29th, 2009 at 5:10 am
Hi Joanne,
What records do you have?
Can you send me photos of the carousel and records?
Thanks!
Bruce
June 26th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Hi Joanne
I’m french and i research a carousel and records. Could you give me photos and titles please?
How much do you want?
Thanks
Marie
August 7th, 2009 at 1:07 am
I have a red raven carosel and red rave record,it is green wih the label in excellent shape.Old McDonald on one side and the little white duck on the other,i am wanting to sell the set if anyone is interested make me a resonable offer.i can email pictures
August 13th, 2009 at 1:55 am
I am really interested in buying a red ravin carosel. If anyone has one that they would like to sell, please contact me. I would like one that is in good condition. I have all my original records but somewhere down the way my mirror disappeared. Thanks – Claire
September 9th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I am very interested in buying a carousel and red raven records or the animated christmas 78,s that worked with the carousel-I had one when I was a child now I would like my grandchild to experience the fun I had with it, If anyone knows where I might find one or were interested in selling me it please contact me thanks – Nikolina
October 5th, 2009 at 4:10 am
I have a red ravin carousel but the mirror effect has faded and now is stripped and unable to view the records. Do you have any suggestions on how the mirror effect can be repaired? Thankyou and for anyone who may have any suggestions – Jennifer