Vinyl records have made a resurgence in recent years, as music lovers rediscover the warm, analog sound that they provide. But if you’re new to vinyl, you might be wondering about the difference between 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM records.
33 1/3 RPM Records
33 1/3 RPM records, also known as LPs (long play), are the most common type of vinyl record. They typically hold about 20-25 minutes of music per side, and are used for albums. 33 1/3 RPM records were first introduced in 1948, and quickly became the standard for recorded music.
45 RPM Records
45 RPM records, also known as singles, are smaller than LPs and typically hold about 4-5 minutes of music per side. They were first introduced in 1949, and were originally used for singles, which were typically one song on each side. 45 RPM records are also sometimes used for EPs (extended plays), which are shorter than albums but longer than singles.
Key Differences
Playtime: The main difference between 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM records is the amount of music they can hold. 33 1/3 RPM records can hold more music per side, while 45 RPM records can hold less.
Sound Quality: 45 RPM records generally have better sound quality than 33 1/3 RPM records. This is because the grooves on a 45 RPM record are wider and spaced further apart, which allows for more detail in the sound.
Durability: 33 1/3 RPM records are generally more durable than 45 RPM records. This is because the grooves on a 33 1/3 RPM record are narrower and spaced closer together, which makes them less susceptible to damage.
Which One Should You Choose?
The type of record you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. If you want to listen to albums, then you’ll need a 33 1/3 RPM record player. If you want to listen to singles or EPs, then you can choose either a 33 1/3 RPM or 45 RPM record player.
If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality, then you should choose a 45 RPM record player. However, if you’re on a budget or you’re worried about damaging your records, then a 33 1/3 RPM record player is a good option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of record player is right for you is to try both and see which one you prefer.
