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What are Vinyl Records?

Michael Pollick
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Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 31,092
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Before the advent of magnetic tape and digital CD technologies, flat disks made from a petroleum-based plastic called vinyl were the preferred media for popular music reproduction. Vinyl records replaced an even earlier system of wax-based cylinders which acted as both recording and playback units. By the 1920s, portable turntables called Victrolas and elaborately decorated record players had replaced the old cylinder players in most homes. Vinyl was found to be more durable than wax and much easier to store.

Vinyl records are formed at the end of a long recording process. Performers assemble in a special room designed to deaden extraneous noise. Vibrations from their voices or instruments are fed into an electronic microphone. As these vibrations are received, a wax disk spins at a designated speed. Originally this speed was 78 revolutions per minute with a ten-inch disk, but later the music industry adapted a 33 rpm speed for 12 inch (30 cm) disks and a 45 rpm speed for 7 inch (18 cm) disks, often called singles. Some spoken word albums actually turn at 16 rpm, but these albums are rare.

The wax disk spins at a constant speed while a sharp needle carves out a groove from the outside edge towards the inside. The vibrations from the recording session cause this needle to vibrate as it moves, recreating the sound waves of the original voices or instruments. This wax disk is used as the model for a master disk made from metal. Vinyl plastic is later melted and injected into the machine with the master disk. As the metal disk is pressed into the pliable vinyl, the groove is recreated precisely. A record player's needle picks up the vibration pattern in the groove and an electronic amplifier magnifies the sound for the listener. Even if a player is turned off, the action of the needle and the record can still reproduce some sound.

Vinyl records became popular for reasons other than storage and reproduction. Musicians discovered that the covers and sleeves used to protect the vinyl could also be used for artistic purposes. Songs could be compiled on 12 inch (30 cm) disks called albums, or smaller collections could appear on EPs, short for Extended Play. Popular songs from albums could be marketed as singles on 45 rpm disks.

Unfortunately, the fragile nature of vinyl records proved to be their commercial undoing. Cassettes made with durable magnetic tape became increasingly popular during the 1970s, followed by the revolutionary digital technology of the CD or compact disc. Vinyl records are still produced in small quantities for amateur musicians on a budget or performance artists who use vinyl records for an effect called scratching. Many people collect vinyl records as a hobby, preferring the organic sound of a record to the sterile but more perfect sound quality of a CD.

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Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to Musical Expert, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.
Discussion Comments
By anon982190 — On Dec 17, 2014

I've noticed that vinyl records are starting to become very popular again. I went to a bookstore the other day and there were stacks of new albums pressed on heavy vinyl, like the European record companies used to produce. I also visit a used record store from time to time, and the owner tells me that business is really starting to pick up for vinyl records.

I think part of the reason is nostalgia, because I grew up when vinyl records were the main format for commercial music, and I thought they sounded pretty good, even with the pops and crackles. When CDs first came out, I thought they were a worthy successor to vinyl. But now I prefer to hear some of my older albums played on a turntable, because the analog sound is so much warmer than the digital playback on CDs. CDs recreate precise notes, but they don't do a good job replaying subtle dynamics. A good modern turntable and a clean vinyl record sounds better to me than most CD players.

By anon6523 — On Jan 01, 2008

what is the best format to use when transferring vinyl records on to cd, so as they can be played on a cd player?

By anon2620 — On Jul 19, 2007

Who made the first vinyl record and when was it released?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to Musical Expert, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide...
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