The gramophone, with its iconic horn and mechanical charm, holds a special place in the history of audio playback. If you are intrigued by this vintage sound machine and considering adding a gramophone to your collection, it’s essential to understand the type of records it plays. In this article, we will explore the world of gramophones and shed light on the specific records they were designed to play: shellac records.
- Shellac Records: The Prized Format of the Gramophone Era Gramophones were designed to play records made from a compound called shellac. Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug, which is harvested, processed, and mixed with fillers to create a durable material suitable for record production. Shellac records were widely used from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century and were the dominant format during the gramophone era.
- 78 RPM Speed: Shellac records typically played at a speed of 78 revolutions per minute (RPM). This was the standard speed for most gramophone records during the time they were popular. The high rotational speed allowed for more music to be packed onto a single side of the record, but it also required special mechanisms and turntables to accommodate this faster speed.
- Fragile and Brittle Nature: Shellac records are known for their fragility and brittleness compared to modern vinyl records. The shellac material, although durable for its time, is more susceptible to breakage if mishandled or dropped. Proper care and gentle handling are necessary to maintain the integrity of shellac records.
- Single-Sided and Double-Sided Records: In the early days of gramophone records, many were single-sided, meaning music was only engraved on one side of the disc. Later, double-sided records were introduced, allowing music to be engraved on both sides. Double-sided records provided more content and convenience, as listeners could enjoy multiple songs without having to flip the disc.
- Varied Record Sizes: Shellac records came in various sizes, but the most common size for gramophones was the 10-inch diameter record. However, larger sizes such as 12-inch and even 16-inch records were also produced, offering extended playing time or better sound quality for certain recordings.
- Genre and Content: Shellac records encompassed a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, blues, pop, and folk. They captured the sounds of the time, providing a snapshot of the musical landscape from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.
Preserving and Enjoying Shellac Records: To fully appreciate the experience of listening to shellac records on a gramophone, it’s crucial to handle them with care and maintain proper equipment. Here are a few tips for preserving and enjoying shellac records:
- Clean the records gently using a record brush or a soft cloth to remove dust and debris.
- Store the records in protective sleeves to prevent scratches and damage.
- Ensure that the gramophone’s stylus and tonearm are in good condition and properly aligned for optimal playback.
- Avoid exposing shellac records to extreme temperatures or high humidity, as these conditions can accelerate degradation.
A gramophone, with its distinct aesthetics and mechanical marvel, offers a glimpse into the golden era of audio playback. The records it plays, shellac records, hold historical and musical significance. These fragile discs, spinning at 78 RPM, bring to life the sounds and melodies of a bygone era. By understanding the unique characteristics of shellac records and properly caring for them, you can embark on a delightful journey of rediscovering the music and charm of the gramophone era.
