Sold Date: September 14, 2021
Start Date: August 22, 2021
Final Price: $39.00 (USD)
Seller Feedback: 1338
Buyer Feedback: 0

The Jukebox EP ( also known as a Little LP (LLP), Jukebox LP, Mini LP or Compact 33) was a 7-inch vinyl record with up to three songs on each side, that played at 33 ⅓ rpm in stereo, and had a small center hole. They were first introduced by Cadence Records in late 1961.  The Jukebox EP became more popular when it was picked up by Seeburg for use in their new jukebox's in September 1962. The Seeburg version of the Little LP was in stereo, came with title strips, and had a color cover for display in the jukebox. A number of record companies signed up in the beginning, and by 1963 there were 233 titles available with over 1,000 by 1966. Little LPs were also made for other jukebox manufacturers such as Wurlitzer, Rock-Ola and ATI.

Little LPs were essentially cut-down versions of the full , and shared the same artwork. What made them EP-like was that some songs were omitted for time purposes, and the tracks deemed the most popular were left on. Unlike most EPs before them, and most seven-inch vinyl in general (pre-1970s), these were issued in .  While occasionally found at retail, distribution of Jukebox EP's was primarily through "One Stop" Jukebox operators and as a result - production of each title was extremely limited when compared to the actual 12" version.  While many of these "pieces of history" have survived over the years, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a complete version of a title which would include the record, cover, title strips and mini photos (these were made for remote wall boxes - often used in dinners).

Sadly, by 1969, output of Little LPs had dropped sharply. A couple of small manufacturers revived the format in the early 1970s, but only a few titles per year were released in the period 1970-1975. Seeburg introduced new jukeboxes that didn’t play Little LPs in 1971, and the introduction of quadraphonic Little LPs didn’t make any difference as there were very few quadraphonic jukeboxes to play them on.

I consider the Jukebox EP to be the Ultimate "Promo" since it was authorized and licensed by both the artist and label, yet was manufactured and distributed by a third party.  In addition, quantities made of these items were much smaller than the original 12" version - usually 5,000 - 7,000 copies at it's height and closer to 1,000 units at the end in the mid 1970's.

The Grass Roots were the creation of Lou Adler with songwriting duo PF Sloan & Steve Barri.  They charted frequently between 1966 - 1975.

Their 16 Greatest Hits (1971) was the only Grass Roots title released on Jukebox EP.  This example comes with the soft "envelope style" album cover.  Auction also includes two title strips.  This is a really nice example of a 50 year old Jukebox EP.

This record is "Jukebox Used".  The Cover is at least VG, complete and clean with no rips or splits but it does show signs of age.  The record is used.  Please remember that Jukebox's were not kind to vinyl records - so I am grading these records with that in mind.  These Jukebox EP's are wonderful pieces of American history and still highly collectible today.  

These extremely rare Jukebox ep's are being sold from one collector to another. No rights are given or implied.

If you have any questions or would like more information, do not hesitate to ask.

Good luck, and thanks for looking!