Why are some records 33 and some 45?

Beta to Blu-ray vs HD-DVD, companies have often put out competing formats. RCA, which failed miserably in the 1930s to release a 33 to the public went out to release a 45 RPM. The record was smaller than the other options. Ultimately, RCA released the format in order to directly compete with the Columbia Record 33.

Whats the difference between a 33 and a 45 record?

The 45 was smaller than the 33; it was a 7-inch record, while the 33 was 10 or 12. They also varied in speed – the 33 was slower than the 45. 45 records were more popular than the 33s because of LPs. They allowed for full album versions instead of more individual songs per side.

Why are some records played at 45?

In order to make the disc smaller than the 10-inch, 78-rpm discs used since the 1890s, they reduced the speed to 45-rpm and used a much finer groove. This meant that they could pack in more grooves in a smaller space.

Are 45 records worth anything?

Rock and roll and R&B 45s with picture sleeves that were pressed in the 1950's have a value of at least $10, with many being valued at more than $100. EPs were only made in the 50's and 60's. Rock and roll and R&B 45s with the cardboard sleeves are worth at least $20, with many being worth more than $200.

What is the difference between 33 45 and 78 records?

78s hold about five minutes of music, while 33s hold up to approximately 20 minutes. 78 RPM records have a faster RPM speed than both 33 and 45 RPM records. 78s have wider grooves than vinyl records, which means that the stylus also needs to be wider. 78 RPM records are mono and are only heard through one channel.

29 related questions found

What RPM are most records?

Vinyl is pressed in one of 3 speeds: 33 1/3 Rotations Per Minute (RPM), 45 RPM, and 78 RPMs. The majority of 12-inch long play (LPs) are 33 1/3 RPMs, and most 7-inch extended play (EPs) or singles are 45 RPMs. However, 10-inch discs are common at both speeds and there are exceptions (e.g. 12-inch 45 RPM discs).

Do 45s sound better than 33s?

To answer your main question: Think of it this way, 45s are much shorter than 33s. Yes, they are smaller, but in addition to playing faster, they technically store "more" of the music. Not more music as in more songs or longer play time, just a more accurate copy of the sound.

Why are some 12-inch records 45 RPM?

The 12-inch single variation first appeared during the disco era in the 1970s. Generally cut at 45 RPM, they feature wider groove spacing and shorter playing time compared to LPs, which permits a broader dynamic range or louder recording level (among other benefits.

Why are singles 45 RPM?

The names are derived from its play speed, 45 rpm (revolutions per minute), and the standard diameter, 7 inches. The 7-inch 45 rpm record was released March 31, 1949, by RCA Victor as a smaller, more durable and higher-fidelity replacement for the 78 rpm shellac discs.

What's the biggest vinyl record size?

As you start to build up a vinyl record collection, you'll undoubtedly have two main sizes of discs that make it up: 12-inch and 7-inch records.

Do 12 inch singles sound better?

Because of the wider spacing of the grooves, not only was a louder sound possible but also a wider overall dynamic range (distinction between loud and soft) as well.

What can I do with 45 records?

How to Dispose of Old Vinyl Records

  1. Sell old vinyl records on eBay. ...
  2. Sell records at a garage sale or flea market. ...
  3. Place a classified ad in your local paper or in your local area of Craigslist. ...
  4. Call your local library and see if they accept donations of vinyl records.

How many songs are on a 45 record?

45s or the 7-inch 45 RPM vinyl record.

With about four and a half minutes on each side, you can expect about two songs to fit on a 7-inch vinyl cut at 45 RPM. 45s are considered singles because a single track fits without compromising the sound quality.

What is the rarest 45 record?

There are only two known copies of Do I Love You (Indeed I Do), a rare 45-rpm Northern soul track by Frank Wilson, one of which sold for $37,000 in 2009.

Why do 45 records have a big hole?

According to several websites, including Answerbag, the reason for the large hole used by 45s was simple. It was difficult for the old 78s, with their smaller holes, to find their way onto jukebox spindles. The large hole effectively eliminated that problem.

Are records supposed to wobble?

Are record players supposed to wobble? Record players are not designed to have any wobbling in the turntable at all. However in real life most every player will have some amount of wobbling in it. As long as the movement isn't causing your record to jump or skip, the wobble really isn't anything to worry about.

When did they stop making shellac records?

The earliest discs are made of a shellac-type material with various fillers. Shellac 78s were produced commercially from 1897 until the late 1950s, but their use declined steadily after World War II as music recording labels shifted toward lacquered records.

Are 33 vinyl records worth anything?

Rare and Valuable LPs (33 RPM)

Some sell for $1000 or more. “Most collected artists” records have the highest values. Most “Fans” LPs made after 1970 sell for $10 or more and some made before 1970 sell for $100+.

Can you play a 78 on a regular record player?

Answer: Yes, Audio-Technica's popular AT-LP120-USB and AT-LP1240-USB turntables will allow the platter to play at the 78 RPM speed. But the correct speed is only part of the solution – a proper 78 RPM stylus should also be used when playing 78 RPM records on your turntable.

What is a 33 vinyl record?

Speed and Diameter

Vinyl records come in three speeds: 33 1/3 rpm (often just called a “33”), 45 rpm and 78 rpm. The “rpm” is an abbreviation for “revolutions per minute” — an indication of how fast the record is meant to spin on the turntable.

What is the biggest selling 12-inch single of all time?

On March 7th, 1983, New Order pioneered dance music with the release of the best selling 12 inch single of all time—”Blue Monday”, whose initial run sold over 700,000 copies. The song (now used to name the depressing 3rd Monday of January) is perhaps the most acclaimed and even influential synth-pop track of all time.

When was the 45 RPM record introduced?

While this may sound clunky or cumbersome, vinyl 45s commercially introduced in 1949 by Camden's RCA Victor revolutionized the music industry. They sounded better than shellac 78s, lasted longer and tended not to shatter if dropped.

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