Vinyl records, also known as phonograph records, have been around for over a century and continue to be a popular format for music lovers. They offer a unique listening experience with warm, rich sound quality that many people prefer over digital formats.
One of the things that makes vinyl records so special is their physical format. They come in a variety of sizes, each with its own unique characteristics. In this article, we will take a look at the different sizes of vinyl records and what makes them different from each other.
The Three Main Sizes of Vinyl Records
There are three main sizes of vinyl records:
1. 7-inch records
7-inch records, also known as “45s” or “singles,” are the smallest and most common type of vinyl record. They typically contain one or two songs per side and are often used for releasing singles or shorter pieces of music. 7-inch records typically spin at 45 revolutions per minute (RPM).
2. 10-inch records
10-inch records are less common than 7-inch and 12-inch records, but they were once the standard size for vinyl records. They typically contain around four songs per side and are often used for releasing extended plays (EPs) or shorter albums. 10-inch records typically spin at 78 RPM.
3. 12-inch records
12-inch records, also known as “LPs” or “long playing records,” are the largest and most popular type of vinyl record. They typically contain around 20-30 minutes of music per side and are often used for releasing full-length albums. 12-inch records typically spin at 33 1/3 RPM.
Other Vinyl Record Sizes
In addition to the three main sizes, there are a few other less common sizes of vinyl records. These include:
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78 RPM records: These are older records that were typically made of shellac instead of vinyl. They are larger and thicker than modern vinyl records and spin at a faster speed of 78 RPM.
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Flexi discs: These are thin, flexible records that were often given away as promotional items. They are typically made of a thin plastic material and are not as durable as standard vinyl records.
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Shaped records: These are records that are cut into a specific shape, such as a heart or a star. They are typically made for novelty purposes and are not as common as standard round records.
Choosing the Right Size Vinyl Record
The size of vinyl record you choose will depend on your personal preferences and what you plan to use it for. If you are looking for a record to listen to a single song or a shorter piece of music, a 7-inch record is a good choice. If you are looking for a record to listen to a full-length album, a 12-inch record is a better choice.
Conclusion
Vinyl records come in a variety of sizes, each with its own unique characteristics. The size of vinyl record you choose will depend on your personal preferences and what you plan to use it for. No matter what size you choose, you are sure to enjoy the unique listening experience that vinyl records offer.
