Format Follies

As the owner of an independent classical record company with over 260 LPs in our catalogue, I am well aware of dealers’ reluctance to stock LPs. Whereas two years ago our LP catalogue was carried in total stock in over 500 stores throughout the country, the figure now is closer to 20.

Most U.S. dealers have cut their LP stocks to practically nothing; how can they expect to sell something they don’t have?

Our mail-order LP sales have more than tripled in the past year.

The CD gives dealers more profit, and the major manufacturers are pushing that format. But a key fact is that most consumers do not own CD players. It seems arrogant to try to force customers into buying a product that they would just as soon not have.

PETER CHRIST

President, Crystal Records Inc.

Sedro Woolley, Wash.