What are the different types of vinyl records?

The Different Types of Vinyl Records

Vinyl records have made a major comeback in recent years, with music enthusiasts craving the unique and nostalgic sound they produce. But did you know that there are different types of vinyl records? In this article, we will explore the various formats and sizes of vinyl records, as well as their pros and cons.

12-inch LP

The most common type of vinyl record is the 12-inch LP, which stands for Long Play. These records have a diameter of 12 inches (30 cm) and spin at 33 1/3 revolutions per minute (RPM). They typically hold up to 45 minutes of music per side. 12-inch LPs are known for their excellent sound quality and often feature full album releases.

One advantage of 12-inch LPs is that they offer a large canvas for album artwork, allowing for more detailed and visually appealing designs. However, due to their larger size, they require more space for storage compared to smaller vinyl formats.

7-inch Single

Another popular type of vinyl record is the 7-inch single, often referred to as a 45 because it spins at 45 RPM. These records have a diameter of 7 inches (18 cm) and typically hold one song per side. 7-inch singles are commonly used for hit songs and radio releases.

One advantage of 7-inch singles is their affordability, as they are usually cheaper than full-length albums. They also take up less space, making them ideal for collectors with limited storage. However, they have a shorter playing time and may require more frequent record flipping.

10-inch EP

The 10-inch EP, or Extended Play, is a less common vinyl format that features more music than a 7-inch single but less than a 12-inch LP. These records have a diameter of 10 inches (25 cm) and usually spin at 45 RPM. They can hold up to 20 minutes of audio per side, making them suitable for shorter albums or compilations.

One advantage of 10-inch EPs is their versatility, as they offer more playing time than a 7-inch single but are more compact than a 12-inch LP. They also tend to be slightly cheaper than full-length albums. However, their limited popularity means that they may be harder to find, especially for newer releases.

Picture Disc

A picture disc is a vinyl record that features artwork or photographs on its playing surface. These discs can be any size, but the most common sizes are 12-inch and 7-inch. The playable side of a picture disc is sandwiched between two clear vinyl layers with the image printed on them.

One advantage of picture discs is their aesthetic appeal, as they offer a visually stunning addition to any vinyl collection. They are often released as limited editions, making them highly sought after by collectors. However, picture discs are known to have slightly reduced sound quality compared to regular vinyl records.

Colored Vinyl

Colored vinyl records are another interesting variation of traditional black vinyl records. These records feature a wide range of colors, including transparent, translucent, solid, marble, splatter, and even glow-in-the-dark. Colored vinyl is achieved by adding pigments during the manufacturing process.

One advantage of colored vinyl is its uniqueness, as each record is visually distinctive. They can add a vibrant and eye-catching element to any vinyl collection. However, colored vinyl records are often more expensive than regular black vinyl records and may have slightly worse audio quality due to the different manufacturing process.

In conclusion, vinyl records come in various formats and sizes, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Whether you prefer the immersive experience of a full-length album on a 12-inch LP or the affordability and convenience of a 7-inch single, there is a vinyl record type for every music enthusiast. So go out there, explore different formats, and enjoy the rich and warm sound that only vinyl records can offer.