Rainbo Records Is Officially Shutting Down After 80 Years — Here’s a Message from the President

Just as vinyl records are taking off, one of the format’s largest pressing plants — Rainbo Records in Los Angeles — is shutting down.

The news is quickly spreading around the industry today, with Rainbo Records president Steve Sheldon delivering the harsh news. The issue seems to be the price of the current location in Canoga Park, California, with Sheldon pointing to a massive rent hike. It looks like either accepting the increases or relocating are both too expensive.

Rainbo Records dates back to 1939, and Sheldon first started at the company in 1971. (Incidentally, the test pressing above mentions ‘Santa Monica, California’ though if you think the rent is high in Canoga Park…)

Here’s the letter sent out to Rainbo Records clients and partners this morning.

Dear Valued Customers,

After well over a year of trying to negotiate an agreement with our Landlord to keep Rainbo on Eton Street, I am sorry to say that unfortunately we have been unsuccessful. Our Landlord apparently has other plans for this building and has demanded that we vacate the space.

It is with incredible sadness that I must announce to you that as of January 31, 2020 we must be out of the building and Rainbo after eighty years will no longer be in business.

Rainbo will continue to operate through December to complete all orders that we have in house now.

We will cease to take any new orders immediately.

We will help you as much as possible to get your assets that we may have in our possession returned to you or shipped to another supplier.

You will need to request what you want returned by selection numbers. There will be a nominal fee to pack up components and ship them out and you will be responsible for all freight cost.

No parts will be returned if you have any unpaid invoices with us.

I am sure you might have some questions and I and our team will be here to answer and try to help make this transition as easy as possible.

Sincerely,

Steven Sheldon