Phonograph record

12in-Vinyl-LP-Record-Angle

Ida 1924 recording cast

Emile Berliner with phonograph

Pathé Schallplatte

Schellackplatte 1908

Gloria G.O. 13078b

Phonograph record

A phonograph record, also known as a vinyl record, or simply a record, is an analog sound storage medium in the form of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove. The groove usually starts near the periphery and ends near the center of the disc. First developed in the late 19th century, phonograph records were the primary medium for commercial music reproduction for most of the 20th century. They have been largely replaced by other forms of digital media, including CDs, MP3 files, and streaming audio services. However, vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in popularity since the early 21st century.

History

The invention of the phonograph record can be traced back to the late 1880s, with Thomas Edison's development of the phonograph. Edison's early devices recorded sound onto a tinfoil sheet wrapped around a rotating cylinder. It was Emile Berliner, however, who in the late 1880s introduced the disc record, which used a flat disc instead of a cylinder. This format proved to be more practical and durable, leading to its eventual dominance in the market.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing of a phonograph record involves several key steps. Initially, a master recording is made, usually in a professional recording studio. This master is then used to produce a stamper, which will press the grooves into the vinyl discs. The vinyl compound is heated and pressed between the stamper and a flat plate, creating the record with its grooves. Finally, the records are trimmed, labeled, and packaged for distribution.

Types of Records

Phonograph records come in various sizes and speeds, which are measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The most common sizes are 7 inches (typically played at 45 RPM), 10 inches, and 12 inches (both typically played at 33 1/3 RPM). There are also special formats, such as the EP (extended play) and LP (long play), which allow for more music to be recorded on a single disc.

Sound Quality and Preservation

The sound quality of vinyl records is often praised for its warmth and depth, which some audiophiles prefer over digital formats. However, vinyl records are susceptible to wear, dust, and scratches, which can significantly affect sound quality. Proper storage and handling are essential for preserving a record's condition.

Cultural Impact

Vinyl records have had a significant cultural impact, serving as a symbol of various music eras and movements. The artwork on record sleeves is also considered an important aspect of the medium, with some covers becoming iconic images in their own right.

Resurgence

After a decline in popularity due to the rise of digital media, vinyl records have seen a resurgence in interest. This revival is attributed to a desire for tangible music formats and the perceived superior sound quality of vinyl. Record stores and vinyl pressing plants have experienced growth, and new vinyl releases, along with reissues of classic albums, are becoming increasingly common.

See Also

• Gramophone record
• Turntable
• Audio fidelity
• Music industry