An odd side note to this thread: In the early 80s, a new method of mastering vinyl records was developed in Germany, in many ways superior to traditional lacquer mastering (the master is the original from which all copies are made).
About thirty Direct Metal Mastering lathes were produced by the German company Neumann. Production ceased as CDs became the dominant medium. Some machines were modified to cut lacquers, while others were dismantled for parts. There are currently twelve commercially operating DMM lathes in the world. The Church of Scientology owns at least two of the remaining machines.
So, next time you have to wait 14 months for your favorite artist's next LP to ship, remember to save a little piece of your rage for the ghost of L. Ron Hubbard.