Vinyl records come in various formats and sizes, each with its own purpose and characteristics. Here are the different types of vinyl records you might encounter:
1. 12-Inch LP (Long Play) Records (33 1/3 RPM):
- These are the most common vinyl records for full-length albums. They have a diameter of 12 inches (30 cm) and typically play at a speed of 33 1/3 revolutions per minute. They can hold around 22 to 30 minutes of music on each side.
2. 7-Inch EP (Extended Play) Records (45 RPM):
- These records are smaller and play at a faster speed, 45 revolutions per minute. They typically contain one or two tracks per side, allowing for about 4 to 5 minutes of music on each side. 7-inch records are often used for singles and shorter releases.
3. 10-Inch Records (Various Speeds):
- These are less common but still found in some collections. They can play at various speeds, including 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. 10-inch records can hold more music than 7-inch singles but less than 12-inch LPs.
4. 78 RPM Records:
- These are early types of records that play at 78 revolutions per minute. They are typically made from shellac rather than vinyl. 78s were used for early jazz, blues, and popular music recordings, often found in collections of vintage music.
5. Picture Discs:
- Picture discs have a design or image printed directly onto the vinyl. They are often used for special editions or collector’s items. Picture discs can be 12-inch LPs or 7-inch singles.
6. Colored Vinyl:
- Colored vinyl records are made from vinyl of different colors, such as red, blue, or clear. They are used for both 12-inch LPs and 7-inch singles and are often sought after by collectors for their visual appeal.
7. Flexi Discs:
- Flexi discs are ultra-thin, flexible records that were often used for promotional purposes or included in magazines. They can only be played a few times before showing wear.
8. Shaped Records:
- Shaped records take on unique forms, such as the outline of a character or object. They are typically made for novelty or promotional purposes.
9. Dubplates (Acetate Records):
- Dubplates are one-off or limited-run vinyl records used for testing or previewing music. They are usually made from acetate, a softer material, and are not as durable as standard vinyl.
10. DJ and Scratch Records: – These records are specially designed for DJing and scratching. They often have skip-proof grooves and sounds, making them suitable for turntablists and scratch DJs.
11. Box Sets: – Box sets consist of multiple records packaged together in a box or gatefold cover. They are often used for extensive collections, anthologies, or special edition releases.
Each type of vinyl record serves different purposes and can contribute to the diversity of a vinyl collection. Collectors and music enthusiasts often value these records for their unique qualities and characteristics.
