David
Chief Content Editor at - searchturntablesSarah, a Philadelphia-based product review writer, boasts 7.5 years of experience in musical equipment, specifically turntables. She has contributed to various online publications, offering expertise on the latest gear. Outside of writing and attending concerts, Sarah enjoys family time and her pets.
David
Chief Content Editor at - searchturntablesSarah, a Philadelphia-based product review writer, boasts 7.5 years of experience in musical equipment, specifically turntables. She has contributed to various online publications, offering expertise on the latest gear. Outside of writing and attending concerts, Sarah enjoys family time and her pets.
33 and 45 records refer to vinyl records played at different speeds, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). These speeds determine the record size and capacity, with 33 RPM records being 12-inch LPs (Long Play) and 45 RPM records being 7-inch singles. In this response, we will explore the characteristics of 33 and 45 records and provide relevant statistics and a comparison table.
- Characteristics of 33 RPM Records
- Characteristics of 45 RPM Records
- Market Share and Popularity
- Comparison Table of 33 and 45 Records
Characteristics of 33 RPM Records
33 RPM records, known as LPs, are typically 12 inches in diameter and spin at 33 1/3 revolutions per minute. They have narrower grooves compared to 45 RPM records, allowing for more extended playtime, usually around 22 minutes per side. LPs are commonly used for full-length albums because they hold multiple tracks on each side.
Characteristics of 45 RPM Records
45 RPM records, often called singles, are smaller, with a diameter of 7 inches. They spin at a faster speed of 45 revolutions per minute, which results in wider grooves and improved audio quality. However, their playtime is limited, ranging from 3 to 5 minutes per side. They are primarily used for releasing single tracks or two-track releases with an A-side and a B-side.
Market Share and Popularity (Statistics)
According to industry reports, the market share of vinyl records by format is as follows:
- 33 RPM (LPs): 80%
- 45 RPM (singles): 15%
- Other formats (e.g., 78 RPM, 10-inch): 5%
Comparison Table of 33 and 45 Records
Record Type
Speed (RPM)
Size (inches)
Playtime per Side
Groove Width
Market Share
33 RPM (LP)
33 1/3
12
~22 minutes
Narrower
80%
45 RPM
45
7
3-5 minutes
Wider
15%
Summary
33 and 45 vinyl records spin at 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM, respectively. The 33 RPM records are 12-inch LPs that can hold multiple tracks and have a longer playtime, while 45 RPM records are 7-inch singles with limited playtime and improved audio quality due to their wider grooves. According to market share statistics, LPs hold an 80% share, with singles at 15%. The comparison table above outlines the key differences between these two record formats.