How many minutes can an LP record hold per side?

How many minutes can an LP record hold per side?

I'll tell you, on a vinyl LP you can listen to between 20 and 30 minutes of music per side. But this is not an exact science, it depends on a few factors. For example, the speed at which the record spins and the space left between the grooves of each song can make it last longer or shorter. And, be careful, vinyl records have changed quite a bit over the years. The most common are the 12-inch (about 30 cm) ones, which let you put more music on, and the smaller 7-inch ones, which are used mostly for singles. There is also the issue of speed. Most LPs spin at 33 1/3 rpm, while 7-inch ones usually go at 45 rpm, so the latter last less time.

Factors that affect the lifespan of an LP record

Here's what influences the length of an LP record on each side:

Disk size

12-inch records have more space, so they can store more music than smaller ones.

Playback speed

Speed ​​matters. 33 1/3 rpm LPs provide more playing time than 45 rpm LPs, which are typically used for 7-inch records.

Blank spaces and grooves

Between songs and at the end of each side, there is always a bit of blank space or extra grooves. These spaces take up space and reduce the amount of music that fits on the record.

Narrower grooves

Sometimes they make the grooves thinner to fit more music, but this can affect the sound quality a bit and you need a more precise needle on the turntable to hear them properly.

The resurgence of vinyl records

In recent years, vinyl records have made a strong comeback. There is something unique about their sound that digital cannot achieve. Taking the record out of its sleeve, placing it on the turntable and listening to how it sounds is almost a ritual. In addition, collecting vinyl records has become nostalgic and unique, and many people appreciate the artwork on the cover and the complete experience of listening to music on this format.

Vinyl record furniture and its relevance

With this craze, the demand for vinyl record furniture has also grown. These pieces of furniture, whether shelves or cabinets, help keep your records well organized and add a special touch to the space where you keep your music. I have seen vinyl record furniture that looks amazing, adds style, and also protects the collection.

What exactly is a vinyl record?

A vinyl record is basically a medium for storing sound in analog form, made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The record has a spiral groove that holds the audio. To listen to it, you put the record on the turntable, and the needle, which goes on the tone arm, is placed in that groove. As the record spins, the needle vibrates due to the undulations in the groove and converts those vibrations into electrical impulses, which are then amplified and played back on speakers or headphones.

Types of vinyl records

In the world of vinyl, there are several types depending on their size, speed and use:

12 inch LP (long playing)

This is the most common type of vinyl record, with a diameter of 12 inches and about 20 minutes of music per side. They are typically played at 33 1/3 rpm.

7 inch single

7-inch vinyl records typically carry one song per side and are used primarily for singles. They are cheaper to manufacture, ideal for radios, and spin at 45 rpm.

10 inch EP

This type of record was popular in the 1930s and 1940s and is used for short albums. Some EPs (Extended Plays) are recorded at 33 rpm (about 12 minutes per side), and others at 45 rpm (8 minutes per side).

Image disk

These vinyl records have a transparent film layer with an image printed on the disc, and are usually special collector's editions.

Full color vinyl records

Although the standard record is black, colored vinyl is popular for special editions, where artists choose different colors to personalize the release.

Molded vinyl

There are vinyl records that come in unique shapes and not necessarily round. Iconic examples are the Rolling Stones’ “She Was Hot” with its tongue logo or Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters,” which is shaped like the Ghostbusters logo.

The history and resurgence of vinyl records

Before vinyl, in the late 19th century, recordings were made on zinc and glass cylinders. Then, in the early 20th century, flat wax discs emerged, which improved sound and were less expensive. It was not until the 1920s that vinyl began to be experimented with, although it did not become successful until Columbia Records released the Long Play in 1948, marking the beginning of the LP era. A year later, RCA Victor introduced the 7-inch single, or “45,” which quickly became popular for singles.

Cassettes, CDs and digital music

• Cassettes : In the 1960s, the cassette revolutionized the industry because it was portable and inexpensive, allowing people to take their music everywhere.

• CDs : In the 1980s, the CD took over. Small, durable and with great sound quality, it allowed you to easily select and repeat songs.

• Digital : In the 90s, digital music changed the game with MP3 files and eventually streaming services, allowing you to listen to music from anywhere with a phone or device.

The resurgence of the vinyl record

Although digital formats dominate today, vinyl records never went away. In the 2020s, music lovers have rediscovered vinyl for its audio quality, history, and analog charm. Record labels are reissuing classic albums and releasing new ones on vinyl for those who enjoy this unique experience. Sustainability has also come to vinyl, with more environmentally friendly biovinyl options.

What's next for vinyl?

With a rich history and a recent resurgence, vinyl remains appealing and appreciated. There are now more affordable record players and vinyl options for everyone, not just collectors. Listening to a vinyl record is an experience, something immersive and tangible. So even though streaming dominates, there will always be a special place for those moments of listening to music on vinyl.