What Types Of Vinyl Records Are There?

So you decide to help your grandparents clean out there basement one weekend. You move the baseball bat off to the side and some old Christmas decorations - Finally, you find a big, cardboard box hidden in the corner. Hmm... What's in there?

So you decide to help your grandparents clean out there basement one weekend. You move the baseball bat off to the side and some old Christmas decorations - Finally, you find a big, cardboard box hidden in the corner. Hmm... What's in there? You slide it out and open the flaps. Dust flies everywhere. Once it settles, you take a peak inside. Vinyl Records. Lots of them!

You might recognize some of the names... Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart, Patsy Cline. Wow! There is even a Beatles record back when they were called Quarry Men.

Some have an unsual shape and size. Is that even considered a Vinyl Record? For the most part, they all fit into 1 of 4 categories.

Did you know? The groove of a vinyl record is like a drawing of the sound wave in a single continuous line through the entire side.

These are the Four Types of Vinyl Records that are widely recognized today:

12 inch Albums (LP or Long Playing)

The Beatles, Revolver LP Vinyl Album 33 RPM

These are thick, black vinyl record albums commonly known as LPs. LP stands for Long Play or Long Playing. Most of the time, LP plays at 33 1/3 rpm. Some may even play at 45 rpm.

The spinning rate or speed of the vinyl record can effect the sound quality.

12 inch Singles

BBQ Band 12-inch Single Vinyl Record

These vinyl records were more durable. Oftentimes, these had an "A Side" and "B Side". A-side typically had one song from an album or a single release. The other B-side was used for the other songs on the album, remixes or live recordings. 12 Inch Single Vinyl Records are still made today. They are mostly purchased and used by DJs and collectors.

7 inch Singles

Diana Ross, Gettin' Ready For Love 7-inch Single

Because of the size of this vinyl record, it typically had only one song on each side. Sometimes even the same song. These were typically used for jukeboxes. Since the vinyl records were smaller with a larger hole. This meant the jukebox could easily grab and play the record.

EPs or Extended Play

Elvis Presley, Love in Las Vegas EP Vinyl Record 45 RPM

Extended Play or EP records were the cross between the LPs and Singles. They typically had more songs than a 12 inch single vinyl record or 7 inch single vinyl record. But they also had less music than a full length 12 inch Album or LP. EPs are pretty flexible as they come in 7 inches or 12 inches. They also are designed for 33 1/3 rpm or 45 rpm.

Unusual Shapes, Sizes and Colors

While the four types of vinyl records are most common. It's not unusual to see some vinyl records in different sizes, shapes or even colors and pictures printed on them. While the groove is what gives the vinyl record it's sound, some bands still choose to cut a specific shape into the non-grooved outer section of the vinyl record. Also, picture vinyl records are not uncommon, but they tend to lack good quality sound.

So after reading our guide above, have you figured out what records Grandma and Grandpa have hidden in that big old box in the basement? If not, don't worry! Just call Paul to set up a free consultation. We will travel to your home, office or even the nearest coffee shop to take a look at your collection.

Only have a few vinyl records? We're still interested! Call Paul Today to make an appointment. Our phone number is 216-315-8216. You can also send us a message.