Record Spider

Vinyl records are produced in a variety of formats, and have a variety of terms describing them. Most of us kids that grew up with CDs don't know too much about this stuff, so I have prepared this handy guide!

It should also be noted that vinyl records have gone through a wide variety of format changes over the years. From their size to their playback speed to the depth of the grooves, and even the way in which the grooves are read, there are tons of formats out there, most of which are obsolete and very hard to find. I only want to focus on the main formats that are being used today, so this guide is not complete by any means. If you really want to get into the history of vinyl, I highly recommend Wikipedia's page about the Gramophone record.

With that said, here is the abridged version from Vinyl Revinyl!

EPs and LPs...Huh?

I have seen these acronyms all over the place in music shops for as long as I can remember. However, to call something an EP or an LP is generally not very accurate way to describe a record. In short, EP stands for "extended play", and is generally used to describe a 7" 45 RPM record. LP stands for "long play", and is often used to describe 12" 33 RPM records. However, these definitions are not completely sufficient because EP and LP are used to describe a variety of other record formats, most of which are out of print and obsolete. In general, all you need to know is that some people use the term EP to describe a single or short record with a few songs. LP is generally used to describe full-length albums.

Why is a single 7" record referred to as "Extended Play"?

The reason is that this new EP format did allow for extra playing time compared to what was offered at the time. Back in the bad old days, large records (10 and 12") would only play about 3-4 minutes per side. 7" EPs can play up to 12-15 minutes per side, hence the name "extended play".

Record Speeds: 33, 45 and 78 RPM

Records are played back at a certain RPM (rotations per minute) on your turntable. However, to be played back at that speed, it must also be recorded on to the record at that speed. Records that rotate at faster speeds generally contain more musical data, and are said to sound better.

These days, most records that you'll come across are recorded at 33 or 45 RPMs. 78 RPM records are still out there, but as far as I know, no one is making them. Many newer turntables won't even play them because they don't have a setting for 78 RPMs.

Most records that are recorded at 45 RPMs are singles. Many of these records feature a large center hole so they can be used with jukeboxes and record changing mechanisms. To play a 45 on a turntable with a small spindle (the needle in the middle of the platter), you need a plastic "spider" that snaps into the center of the record so it can be played.

However, not all 45 RPM records are singles, or "EPs". Some LPs are being released at a playback speed of 45 RPM. Some believe that 45 RPM records sound better than 33 RPM records, and some audiophile-grade records use the faster 45 RPM format. I recently picked up Metallica's Master of Puppets in the 45 RPM format, but don't have a comparable 33 RPM record to compare it to, so I can't comment on improvements in sound over a 33 RPM record. I can say that it sounds WAAAAAY better than a CD.

Here's some more interesting trivia:

Some old record formats play back at 120 RPM.

Another failed record format playback speed is 16 2/3 RPM (Half that of a 33 RPM)

Record grooves are about 25 microns (.001 inches) wide.

Some records are read by the stylus from the center of the record, outward (CDs operate this way too), as opposed to being read from the outside of the record in.

Alright! I hope you learned something here. Kick back, and enjoy the music!

45 RPM Record

When most people think of 45 RPM records, they think of the small records often used for jukeboxes and singles. While it's true that many 45's released are singles, there are also 45 RPM LPs out there. These records play at a faster speed than the usual 33 RPMs of a standard LP, and because of this, are often doubles. While on a 33 RPM record, you can fit an entire album's worth of music, 45 RPM LPs can usually only fit about 12-15 minutes of music on each side--usually not enough space for an entire album.

So, what's the big idea? It seems like these 45 RPM records are more trouble than they're worth! According to audiophiles, the 45 RPM format sounds better because more musical data is fit into a smaller space than with 33 RPM records. This logic is also applied to digital music formats such as MP3s. A 256kbps MP3 is said to sound better than a 128kbps MP3 because more data is contained in the file. Just like a computer must read through more data in a 256kbps MP3 than with a 128kbps MP3, a turntable stylus must pick up on more nuances and details in the record groove in a 45 RPM record than in a 33 RPM record.

In theory, it all sounds well and good. It makes sense that a 45 RPM record sounds better than a 33 RPM record. However, can humans perceive the improvements in sound? In my opinion, the jury is still out. I can tell the difference between a 128 kbps MP3 and a 256kbps MP3, however I can't tell the difference between a 256kbps MP3 and a CD. I can, however, tell the difference between a CD and a vinyl record. I just purchased my first 45 RPM LP, and I can tell you that it sounds fantastic, but I can't tell you if it sounds better than the same album pressed on a 33 RPM record. Whew! A lot of perception going on here...

Anyway, the album I purchased was one that I had only listened to on CD and MP3 up until a few days ago. I can tell you that it sounds WAAAAY better than the CD, and definitely better than the MP3. However, I don't have a 33 RPM pressing of the album to do a side by side comparison. Too bad... I need to give the album another intense rotation or two to really get a feel for the superiority of the sound over CD, but again, this proves the theory (again) that vinyl really does sound better.

If you find an album that you love, and it is available in the 45 RPM format, it's probably worth picking up, because in addition to the theoretically better sound, it is also probably a heavier format, made with virgin vinyl, and may even include some nice extras. Enjoy the music...in 45 RPMs!

Record Shop

One of the things I absolutely love about vinyl is that I can get so many excellent used records for so cheap. A few weeks ago, I was in the vinyl section of my favorite music store in the area, Rasputin. I was looking through the jazz and rock sections, and while it was a slow process, I did find a few albums that I was interested in.

The truth is that the vinyl section tends to be hit and miss. There is a lot of crap, no doubt. However, flipping through the albums is always rewarding when you stumble upon a used record in great shape for only a dollar or two. That was the case for me: I found 4 albums that I took home for a grand total of $17.

Here's what I scored: Rolling Stones: Hot Rocks (double album!), Lynyrd Skynyrd: Gold and Platinum (Another double!), Aerosmith: Toys in the Attic, and Al DiMeola: Electric Rendezvous. 4 albums, 2 of which were double LPs. iTunes would charge me $60 for all that music, and the record store would probably charge me at least $40 for the same music on CD.

So, I spent about a half hour of my time looking through used records, and found 4 that I wanted. I got them for a measly $17. I spent the next 4 hours enjoying them (and, of course, several more time later on enjoying them!) I also enjoyed better sound quality. Vinyl totally rules, and I encourage you to go out and score some great deals too! Enjoy the music!

Record Playing

Ever since I first took the time to listen carefully to a record, I noticed that the sound quality was better than anything CDs, cassettes, and of course, MP3s had to offer. Being a music lover, I wanted to share with the world, and especially younger kids like myself (I'm only 28) the virtues of the vinyl record. I had been thinking about it for at least a few years, but really couldn't gather the motivation to approach such a massive project.

Then, at the end of 2007, I read an article in Time Magazine about how Gen-Y and "Millenials" are embracing the vinyl record. This was the catalyst that got my site off the ground. I saw some great potential in this topic, with major journalists getting behind this theme. In January (2008), the original Vinyl Revinyl was launched, and a complete re-do was launched in July (2008).

So, what caused this resurgence in interest in vinyl records?

Well, the kids these days have been going through their parents' music. They're finding all sorts of albums that have a retro appeal. Classic rock, 80's music, and old-school R&B. They're like "Alright, it's Led Zeppelin I! Let's listen to it!" or "Dude! It's Marvin Gaye, let's get it on!" Instead of going out and buying the music on CD, many of the kids just take their parents' turntables and albums (Since the parents are all becoming hip with iPods and downloading music online), and listen the old-fashioned way.

Then, the kids venture down to their local record store (since many of the chain stores are dying off--Tower Records, Sam Goody), where vinyl records are often on prominent display. Since the kids have been flipping through their parent's LPs, they're also flipping through the stores' LPs. Then, they notice that many of these LPs are used, hardly played, and cheap--Often as low as $.50 or $1. So, instead of spending $10 on a CD, they opt for 4-5 records for the same price.

Then the kids head home with their new records, and put them on the turntable. Since playing a record requires a bit more attention, the kids are taking the time to listen to albums more closely. They're noticing stuff. They say "Oh wait, the bass doesn't sound like that when I listen to this album on CD". They begin to listen even more closely, and begin to notice that the sound is all-around better, warmer, cleaner, you name it.

Then, the kids tell their friends about it. They say "Dude, you gotta come over to my house and hear this ________ album I got on vinyl. It sounds sweeeeet!" Then the friends come over. They all gather together in a room, and pop it on. They get social. They talk about the music, and more music. They notice the superior sound quality. All of a sudden, you have a group of kids who are more engaged with the music, and have a yearning to listen to their favorites in analog.

They tell their friends, they go out and buy more, they spread the word. Ands so on and so on.

Of course, it's not just about the kids. The people who were raised on vinyl are re-discovering it. They are recalling those days when they would hang out with their friends and listen to music together. They remember the sound. They have a yearning to experience the old days, to take a trip down memory lane, to use a terrible cliche.

The record companies are starting to take notice, too. They are beginning to increase production. They are releasing audiophile grade 180 and 200g albums, pressed on virgin (impurity free) vinyl. According to an August 2008 NY Times article, shipments are up, and sales are up. Artists are re-releasing their stuff on vinyl, such as Queen's recent highly publicized announcement that they would be re-releasing their albums on vinyl. New LPs are coming out too, such as Vampire Weekend's debut, and Metallica's recent "Death Magnetic" album.

It looks to me like vinyl is about to hit critical mass, and hey, I'm more than happy to help get that word out! Once you listen to an album on vinyl, you will be a convert too. Go wild, go through your parents' and friends record collections. Throw some albums on, give them a listen. Hearing truly is believing when it comes to vinyl.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Vinyl records are high maintenance. They're like the hot, high maintenance girlfriend (or boyfriend) who takes two hours to get ready to go out. Of course, when they're ready, they look good. In the case of vinyl, they sound amazing, but they take a little extra work to get there. Part of this maintenance is keeping them clean. Here is how to do it:

Before and After listening to a record...

First of all, before listening to a record (and after), give it a quick once-over with a carbon fiber brush designed for records. These brushes are great for removing small particles of dust and lint. They also de-staticize the record, reducing the chance that the record will attract more dust and lint. Most of the time, this is all you'll have to do to keep your records in great shape. If you're noticing that a record is popping and hissing a lot, a quick brush will clean up the sound considerably.

Giving the records a more thorough cleaning...

After listening to a record several times, it will probably get dirty. When your records get dirty, it's a good idea to clean them. Cleaning records doesn't have to be done very often if you treat your records with care, but it's not a bad idea once a year if you listen to a record more than a few times in that year. When you clean a record, the goal is to remove grease, dirt and other contaminants.

To do it properly, you have to use some sort of cleaner. There are many products on the market that are designed for cleaning records. If you want to clean your records on the cheap, you can make your own cleaning solution with some distilled water and isopropyl alcohol.

Here's what you do: Mix up one part 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and four parts distilled water. Add 5-6 drops of dishwashing (non-moisturizing) soap to the mixture. Next, apply the solution to a clean paper towel or record cleaning pad. Do not use your "dry" brush for this! Stroke the paper towel around the records, moving with the grooves. Sometimes it is helpful to use a back and forth motion. Repeat if necessary. Next, rinse the record with more distilled water. Dry with a clean towel. Let the record sit out for at least a few hours to ensure that it has dried completely. Just set the record on a clean towel, vertically leaning against something. After the record has dried, place it in a brand new paper or plastic sleeve, and put it back in its cover. Paper sleeves can be purchased on the internet and eBay, as well as in local record and audio shops.

Using a machine to clean your vinyl...
If you're a baller, you can always buy a Nitty Gritty (or similar device), which is a machine that sucks dust off your records. This system works very well, is very easy, and will help you clean a large vinyl collection. These machines are pretty expensive, but worth it if you have a large collection and listen to a lot of music.

Most of these devices have a platter that you place your record on. Put the record on the platter, and get it spinning (Some machines are motorized, others are manual). Apply some cleaning solution to either the machine's brush (If it has one), or to your own (again, never use your "dry" brush for this!) Add a few drops to the record too. As the record is spinning, hold the brush directly on the record, allowing it to pass several times. Don't use too much pressure. After the surface of the record has been brushed, push the vacuum opening over the surface of the record, and turn it on. Let the vacuum suck the debris off the record for a minute or so. To do the other side, make sure the platter is clean before putting the clean side of the record on it. Repeat for the second side.

Once you have cleaned both sides, let the record air out for awhile. It's true that the solution evaporates quickly, and the vacuum gets most of the moisture off the record, it's still a good idea to let it dry for maybe a half hour or so before you put the record back in a sleeve or play it.

Once it's dry, put it in a brand new paper or plastic sleeve, and return it to its cover. Easy, right?

Keeping your records clean will give you plenty of years of listening enjoyment. In addition, when they start to sound bad, you can just give them a quick wash, and they're back to like new. Enjoy the music!

Hey everyone, so I know I write a lot about jazz, but I need to talk about another great group that has proven to be highly influential and successful...None other than The Beatles.

You see, I was looking through my web stats the other day, and it turns out that about half of the web traffic I get goes directly to my Beatles Vinyl page. In addition, it turns out that most of the search queries on my site are for Beatles related items. This is not very surprising to me, as I know that The Beatles are hands-down the largest selling musical act of all time. I figured I should write about The Beatles since so many people are coming here looking for Beatles stuff...So....

The Beatles are one of the most legendary groups of musicians ever.

In addition to achieving massive commercial success, The Beatles have proven to be highly influential to multiple generations of people, and have attained a spot in the history of all music.

I love every album The Beatles have released. Their songs are classics and have stood the test of time. You really can't say anything bad about The Beatles unless you're a hater, and if so...stop hating.

You have to hear their albums on vinyl. They sound warm and beautiful and great. They sound better on vinyl...trust me. Jeez, just get it for the big cover art...Sgt Pepper just doesn't look as good on a CD.

So, what are my top 3 Beatles albums??

#3: Revolver

Revolver is a nice mix of old and new Beatles. It has some poppy songs, mixed with some rocking songs, and of course, the occasional slow song. This was one of the first albums that I ever purchased on vinyl, and this record has seen a lot of playing time. Definitely a great album from a great group of musicians.

My favorite songs from the album are "Eleanor Rigby", "And Your Bird Can Sing" and "Tomorrow Never Knows".

#2: Abbey Road

My next favorite album is Abbey Road. This is The Beatles at their most experimental and obscure, yet at the same time, their most imaginative and unique. Abbey Road is a great rock album by any metric. It's too difficult to pick favorite songs on this one just because they are all so good. From the mellow "Sun King" to the dynamic "You Never Give Me Your Money", all the way to the joy and happiness of "Octopus's Garden". I love Abbey Road!

#1: Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band

And now, my favorite Beatles album of them all...Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. I know that many other people feel the same way that I do. Apparently Sgt. Pepper is the #1 greatest album of all time according to Rolling Stone. Sgt. Pepper was the first ever concept album. The concept was to perform an imaginary concert for all of the people on the cover of the album. The music is unique, yet still very Beatles-like. The album goes through many different moods, with the title track's rock sound, to the deep and sad "She's Leaving Home", to the joy of "With a Little Help From My Friends", to the album's fatalistic ending with "A Day in the Life". This is a great album, and belongs in everyone's collection.

Seriously People: Enjoy the Music.

For more Beatles Records, Vinyl & LPs, visit this link.

Vinyl Revinyl: Beatles Records, Vinyl & LPs

PS

I just added my record selection to the Top 100 Beatles site, and you can vote for my site at the link below.

Also, there are tons of great Beatles sites out there, and many of them are listed at the Top 100 Beatles Sites. Check it out, you'll definitely find some good Beatles stuff.

All vinyl records are not created equal. It turns out that the type of vinyl used to make the actual record, as well as the weight of that vinyl have a huge impact on the ultimate sound of that record.

Let's back up.

In the old days, many vinyl records that were released were made on cheaper, low quality vinyl that was often recycled and usually contains impurities. These impurities make it more difficult for the sound to be accurately transferred to the record. For example, if 95% of the record is made of pure vinyl, 5% of the record is made of impurities. These impurities could be metals or plastics, or something else that does not have the exact chemical properties of vinyl. When the record is pressed (the process in which the grooves are imprinted onto the record), these impurities can interfere with the pressing, resulting in a record that contains bits of distortion and less precise musical data.

Also in the old days, many LPs were pressed onto thinner, lightweight vinyl. Thinner, lightweight vinyl was cheaper to manufacture, and it allowed music to remain more affordable for the masses. However, as you can imagine, thinner vinyl records are more fragile, get damaged easier, and wear out sooner. It is also true that thinner vinyl records produce a sound that is less pure.

So...what to do? Well, fortunately due to the re-emergence of vinyl as a serious medium in which to play music back, most of the vinyl that is released today is pressed on heavier records made of "virgin" vinyl. Virgin vinyl simply means that the vinyl used to make the record is pure vinyl, and virtually free of impurities. The lack of impurities creates a more pure pressing of the vinyl, resulting in a better sound.

In addition to the high-quality, virgin vinyl used, many records are pressed on heavier platters of vinyl. Usually this is advertised on the packaging as a "180g" or "200g" pressing. The 180g or 200g is just the weight of the record in grams. So, a 180g record weighs 180 grams. These heavier records are noticeably heavier, thicker and stiffer than lightweight records. As you can imagine, the grooves retain their shape better, even with repeated plays. Some even claim that the stiffer vinyl produces a more realistic sound with less distortion than a standard record.

Most so-called "audiophile" records are pressed on heavy, virgin vinyl, and the experts pretty much agree: These records truly do sound better than the standard, lightweight records of yesteryear. Plenty of jazz, classical and rock selections are available in this heavier format, and it is always recommended that you seek these out when shopping for vinyl.

Just for fun, I am currently listening the Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack in my car, Miles Davis' "On The Corner" on my iPod, and The Beatles' White Album on my turntable.

Enjoy the music!
-Alan