The demand for vinyl L.P.s. 1975–1988

The paper estimates the demand for vinyl L.P.s in the U.K. In so doing, it outlines a technique to account for the impact of product differentiation innovation when estimating the demand for a product group. This may be particularly important for cultural goods where consumers are attracted to buy a product because of its unique characteristics and where these characteristics differ across time. Thus, the methodology may be used to estimate the demand for other product groups, such as movies and literature. Over the sample period L.P.s are found to be normal goods which are close to being unit price elastic. The diffusion of the Compact Disc appears to reduce the price elasticity of vinyl L.P.s. Consumers also appear to treat L.P.s as perishable goods and the demand for vinyl albums is positively stimulated both by the range of albums available on the L.P. format and product differentiation innovation.