Twenty 45 adapters

A collection of 45RPM record adapters from Glen Mullaly, who just so happens to be an awesome illustrator.

Full-size image and manufacturer key [Flickr] (Thanks, DD!)

Update: Reader Tim H. writes "It seems like you can't post an image as a comment on bb (for obvious reasons) but I've bumped into a handful of people like me who have loved the 45 symbol enough to get it tattooed."

Update 2: Bingo the Chimp writes "This beautiful 45 adapter tattoo on my beautiful girlfriend's arm always makes me swoon."

[#1 posted by bibulb , December 5, 2008 10:01 AM]

GUH. SO BEAUTIFUL.

[#2 posted by markfrei , December 5, 2008 11:59 AM]

[#3 posted by erratic , December 5, 2008 4:05 PM]

OHHHHHhhhh.... I thought it was the logo for gay neonazis....

[#4 posted by roguecnidarian , December 5, 2008 7:00 PM]

I can't believe this! I was looking for images of these adapters a few months ago. I've seen the shape of the adapters on a lot of hipsters' shirts, but I don't think most of them even know where it's from, or what it's original purpose was, which is terribly sad.

[#5 posted by 68flh , December 6, 2008 8:06 AM]

Dude, that's like getting a 1/4"-1/8" phono plug adapter tattooed on you, or a PS2-USB adapter. WTF? Tattoo an ADAPTER on your arm? I'd would REALLY like to know what you think of your tattoo in 20 years.

[#6 posted by dculberson , December 6, 2008 9:46 AM]

68FLH, but it is a pretty cool shape, regardless of what it does. It's definitely less likely to be embarrassing later in life than, say, a skull with flames and snakes or something trite and ridiculous like that. (Or, a Harley logo?? heh)

[#7 posted by ESQ , December 6, 2008 3:04 PM]

Luvin! I carry a standard yellow 45 adapter in my wallet at all times.... just in case...

[#8 posted by ESQ , December 6, 2008 3:13 PM]

#5: I'd get that tattoo if I were the tattooing type, but I can understand not 'getting' it if you didn't grow up with stacks of 45s in the 70s and early 80s - definitely a generational thing at this point.

It's been a quarter of a century since they've been useful and I still think it's a cool tat. I imagine it will continue to mean as much in another 25 years, probably more so to the nostalgic amongst us.

[#9 posted by Downpressor , December 7, 2008 7:16 AM]

Nice! Those of us who still buy lots of 45s tend to just use these http://www.turntablelab.com/dj_equipment/42/174/17358.html instead

[#10 posted by nerdler , December 7, 2008 9:32 AM]

#8: I dunno, I did grow up with stacks of 45s and I think it's a dumb idea for a tattoo, but I think tattoos are pretty retarded anyway.