Vinyl records come in three different speeds: 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM. Each speed has its own unique characteristics, and it is important to know which speed a record is before you play it.
So, how do you tell if a record is 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, or 78 RPM? There are a few different ways to do this.
How to Tell by the Label
The easiest way to tell the speed of a record is to look at the label. Most record labels will have the speed of the record printed on them. The speed will be listed in revolutions per minute (RPM). For example, a record that is 33 1/3 RPM will have “33 1/3 RPM” printed on the label.
How to Tell by the Size of the Record
Another way to tell the speed of a record is by its size. 78 RPM records are typically 12 inches in diameter, while 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM records are typically 10 inches in diameter. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, some 45 RPM records are also 12 inches in diameter.
How to Tell by the Sound
If you don’t have the label or the record is too damaged to see the size, you can also tell the speed of a record by the sound. 78 RPM records have a higher pitch than 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM records. This is because the grooves on 78 RPM records are wider, which means that the sound waves are shorter.
So, there you have it. Those are the three ways to tell if a record is 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, or 78 RPM. If you are ever unsure of the speed of a record, it is always best to check the label or the size of the record.
Additional Information
- Here are some other factors to consider when trying to determine the speed of a record:
- The type of music on the record
- The era in which the record was released
- The country in which the record was released
- There are a number of great resources available online that can help you identify the speed of a record.
- I hope you found this article helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.