In an era dominated by streaming and digital downloads, vinyl records have made a remarkable comeback. Despite the convenience of modern music formats, many music lovers are drawn to the tactile experience of holding a record, placing it on a turntable, and dropping the needle. There’s also the warmth and unique sound quality that vinyl offers.
This article will explore the different sizes of records available, their historical context, and how these factors impact the listening experience. We’ll delve into the world of 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch vinyl, and discuss the different speeds at which they are played: 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, and the older 78 RPM.
Of course, owning vinyl means taking care of it. We’ll also touch on the importance of record care and maintenance to ensure your collection lasts for years to come. And we’ll briefly discuss choosing the right turntable for the different sizes of records you may encounter.
The 7-Inch Record: The Single’s Story
If you grew up in the ’50s and ’60s, you probably bought most of your music on 7-inch records. These little records were the perfect medium for rock ‘n’ roll and pop singles. Bands and record labels used them as promotional tools, and they were often used for B-sides, too.
Most 7-inch records are played at 45 RPM (revolutions per minute), though some were made to be played at 33 ⅓ RPM.
How much music could you fit on one of these little discs? Here’s the breakdown:
- At 33 ⅓ RPM, a 7-inch record could hold about 7 minutes of music per side.
- At 45 RPM, a 7-inch record could hold about 5 minutes of music per side.
Because the groove width on a 45 RPM record is larger than the groove width on a 33 ⅓ RPM record, the 45 RPM record could deliver better sound quality. The wider groove allowed for more detail and a better dynamic range.
Over time, the 7-inch record gave way to the 12-inch single, which offered even better sound quality and more space for remixes and extended versions of songs. But the 7-inch record remains an important artifact of the rock and roll era.
The 10-Inch Record: A Historical Artifact
Ten-inch records, originally made of shellac and played at 78 RPM, are a historical artifact. You don’t see them much anymore, and many people think of them as collector’s items. They represent a bridge between the earliest forms of record and the later adoption of vinyl as the go-to material for records.
Historical context
Ten-inch records were a step on the path from early record formats to the vinyl records that many people still enjoy today.
Technical details
A ten-inch record played at 33 RPM can hold about 13 and a half minutes of music per side. If it’s played at 45 RPM, it can hold about 10 minutes per side.
One challenge you might encounter if you’re hoping to play a 78 RPM record on a modern turntable is that many modern turntables don’t have a 78 RPM setting. You’ll need a special turntable, or a vintage one, to play these records.
The 12-Inch Record: The LP Era
When you think of a vinyl record, you’re probably thinking of a 12-inch record. These were the standard for full-length albums, what record collectors often call LPs, for “long playing.”
Typically, 12-inch records play at a speed of 33 ⅓ RPM (revolutions per minute) on your record player. At that speed, you can fit more than 20 minutes of music on each side of the record. That’s a lot more music than you could fit on the earlier 7-inch or 10-inch records.
The 12-inch format opened up a whole new world for musicians. They could record longer, more complex songs, and they could create entire albums that told a story or explored a theme.
Technical Aspects and Evolution
The creation of microgroove technology was essential to the success of the 12-inch record. These smaller grooves allowed record makers to squeeze more grooves onto the record, which meant longer playing times.
The 12-inch record had a huge impact on the music industry. It made the album the dominant format for music consumption. Before that, singles were more important, but the LP allowed artists to showcase their talents in a more complete and satisfying way.
It’s also worth noting that 12-inch records weren’t just for albums. Many artists released 12-inch singles, which often featured extended versions of their songs. There were also 12-inch EPs (extended play records), which usually had a few songs on each side but weren’t quite as long as a full album.
Turntable Compatibility and Playback
Not all turntables are created equal, and it’s important to make sure your turntable can actually play the records you want to listen to. Modern turntables, for example, might not be able to play 78 RPM records, which were common in the early to mid-20th century.
It’s worth noting that a “turntable” is slightly different from a “record player.” A turntable spins the record, but a record player is an all-in-one unit that includes the turntable, amplifier, and speakers.
Another thing to keep in mind is the stylus, or needle. Different records and different speeds require different styluses. If you’re playing vintage records on a modern turntable, you might notice some sound distortion if you don’t have the right stylus. Using the wrong stylus can also damage your records, so it’s worth doing a little research to make sure you have the right one.
Caring for Your Vinyl Collection: Preservation and Longevity
The best way to keep your records sounding great for years to come is to take good care of them. That means cleaning them regularly, storing them safely, and handling them carefully.
Best Practices for Storage
The way you store your records can have a big impact on their condition. Here are some tips:
- Store records vertically. Stacking records on top of each other will cause them to warp over time.
- Keep records in a temperature-controlled environment. Extreme heat or cold can also cause warping.
- Store records by size. Storing different sized records together can lead to warping and damage.
Using protective sleeves is another important step in keeping your records in good condition. Sleeves protect records from dust, scratches, and other damage. You can find sleeves at most record stores or online.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Keeping your records clean is essential for maintaining their sound quality. Here are some tips:
- Avoid touching the playing surface of the record. Your fingers can leave oils and dirt on the record.
- Wipe record surfaces regularly with a specialist record cloth. This will remove dust and other debris that can accumulate on the record.
- Remove dust buildup from your record player’s stylus. A dirty stylus can damage your records and affect sound quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my record is 33, 45, or 78 RPM?
Identifying the correct speed for your record is crucial for proper playback! Here’s a breakdown of how to tell the difference:
- Size:
- 12-inch records are typically 33 ⅓ RPM LPs (Long Playing albums).
- 7-inch records are almost always 45 RPM singles, but can sometimes be 33 ⅓ RPM EPs (Extended Play).
- 10-inch records can be 78 RPM, but some rare ones are 33 ⅓ RPM.
- Visual Inspection: Look closely at the label. Many records will explicitly state the RPM.
- Feel: 78 RPM records are usually much thicker and heavier than 33 ⅓ or 45 RPM records. They’re also made of a different material (shellac), making them more brittle.
- Runout Groove: The runout groove (the blank space at the end of the record) may have a handwritten or stamped indication of the speed.
- If all else fails: Carefully try playing the record at different speeds. If it sounds too slow, it’s likely meant to be played at a higher speed, and vice versa.
In Closing
Vinyl records come in a few different sizes, and each size was designed for a certain type of music. It’s important to know the size of your record and the speed it’s meant to be played at to get the best sound quality.
Vinyl records have made a big comeback, and younger music fans are discovering the unique experience they offer.
The tactile feel of holding a record, the nostalgic connection to music history, and the authentic sound of vinyl all contribute to an immersive listening experience that digital music sometimes can’t match.