VINYL RECORDS - FORMATS (PT 5)
Today we’re going to take a look at some standard vinyl formats, as well as some less common variations.
33 1/3 RPM– LPs (Long Play) — 33s – (usually) 12 inch
This format was released by Columbia in 1948. It changed recorded music forever, allowing for longer playback times and the birth of the album. Now, recording artists could get between 15 and 30 minutes per side, depending on how much bass was pressed onto the record; more bass meant larger grooves and less playback time. LPs remain the most popular vinyl format today – the fidelity is higher than smaller records and they are easier for DJs to manipulate. Although usually found in a 12 inch format, 33 1/3 RPM records can also be 10 inch or 7 inches. Here’s a photo of a 7″ 33 — my copy of “Country of Guns” by Kaleta and Zozo Afrobeat. Shameless self-promotion, yes! But this is actually the only 7 inch I have that plays at 33 1/3 RPM.
45 RPM – 45s – (usually 7 inch)
This format was developed by RCA as a competitor to Columbia’s 33 1/3 LP. 45s, with their shorter play time compared to 33s, were typically used for singles — an A side and B side. Many artists wouldn’t even put out albums — they’d release singles and hope for a hit.
The large hole often found in the center accomodated jukebox playback. Although some modern 45 pressings opt for a smaller hole, an spindle hole adapter is often needed to play the 7 inch. To the left are a few examples of 45 RPM adapters (from left to right — the standard Technics 1200 SL adapter, a cheap plastic adapter, a better plastic adapter).
The best spindle adapters are tapered so a 45 will fit snugly around it. If you are careful about centering the 45 on your slipmat you can get away with not using an adapter at all. I’ve definitely had to do this trick once or twice when DJing with crappy adapters. Sometimes 10″ or 12″ 45s are pressed, like my 12″ reissue of “Get up Offa That Thing” / “Sex Machine” by James Brown . DJs look out — spinning a record at the wrong speed is pretty embarrasing. Perhaps the most confusing record I own is a 12″ maxi single of Femi Kuti’s “Truth Don Die,” pressed at 45 RPM on side A and 33 1/3 RPM on side B !
78 RPMs — 78s — “original records”
These records, developed in 1925, predated the 33 and 45. This is what your grandparents grew up listening to. Unlike the “microgroove” 33 1/3 and 45 RPMs, 78s were played with a wider stylus. Most modern turntables will not be able to play these records. 78s are either 12 inches or 10 inches in diameter. Here’s a photo of the only 78 I own — a 10 inch by Dinah Shore — but I don’t have any way to play it back!
That’s it as far as formats are concerned. Next time we’ll delve into the basics of crate digging.
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