Vinyl records come in a variety of sizes, but the most common size is the 12-inch LP. LP stands for “long-playing,” and these records can hold up to 22 minutes of music per side.
12-inch LPs are the most common size because they offer a good balance of sound quality and convenience. They are large enough to hold a lot of music, but they are not so large that they are difficult to store or play.
Other common vinyl record sizes include:
- 7-inch singles: These records can hold up to 4 minutes of music per side, and they were typically used for singles.
- 10-inch singles: These records are slightly larger than 7-inch singles, and they can hold up to 6 minutes of music per side.
- 45 RPM singles: These records spin at 45 revolutions per minute, which is faster than the standard 33 1/3 RPM speed of most LPs. This allows them to hold more music per side.
- 78 RPM records: These records were the first type of vinyl record, and they spin at 78 revolutions per minute. They are no longer commonly used, but they can be found in some collections.
The size of a vinyl record also affects its sound quality. Larger records tend to have better sound quality because they can hold more grooves, which allows for more accurate reproduction of the sound waves. However, larger records are also more expensive and difficult to store.
Ultimately, the best vinyl record size for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. If you are looking for the best possible sound quality, then you may want to consider larger records. However, if you are looking for a more convenient and affordable option, then you may want to consider smaller records.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a vinyl record size:
- The type of music: Some genres of music, such as classical music, require a wider frequency range than others. If you are listening to these genres, then you may want to choose a larger record size to get the best possible sound quality.
- The quality of the recording: The quality of the recording will also affect the sound quality of the vinyl record. If the recording is poor, then even a large record will not sound very good.
- Your turntable: The type of turntable you have will also affect the sound quality of the vinyl record. If you have a high-quality turntable, then you will be able to hear the difference between different record sizes.