45 RPM LPs?

[GaryProtein]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Gary.......I was reading about some of the original shellac recordings and was surprised to discover some were recorded at 130 RPM's.

The 78 RPM standard came into being from the use of AC synchronous motors that spun at 3600 RPM and through the use of gears was reduced to 78 RPM rotation. Edison's waxed drum player rotated at 80 RPM. We've come a long ways, Baby.

They also had tracking forces measures in OUNCES with a steel or sapphire needle that was tremendous in size (think three penny nail) by todays standards.

The four inch diameter cylinder also has a circumference one third of a 12" LP, at least at the outer edge of the record. The cylinder had a constant speed from start to finish.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by rlw3

many of the 45 rpm records seem to have more unused inner area where fidelity,dynamics and signal density problems are greatest. it is a pain to get up and change the lp after 2 or 3 songs.
have you all seen the classical records from the netherlands that start on the inside and work outwards when the classical pieces start out with little signal density which works best on the inside of the record?

Ray.......I had no idea there are records that track from the inner groove out. Interesting concept. That lead out groove would have to be accurate. I'd hate to see a stylus get tossed of the LP surface.

[speedofsound33-3]

You should be aware that "78's" did not all run at 78 speed. Speeds could run as slow as 68 and as fast as 85. There was no standard record speed or equalization for so-called "78's" for most of the time they were the primary recording format. Different manufacturers had different speeds. In a lot of ways it was the first VHS vs. Beta type battle. The idea was that if you bought an RCA/Victor Victrola, you would buy RCA/Victor shellac. Even the current RIAA curve wasn't completely standardized until 1954.

As for 45 rpm LP's, they sound great. My only complaint is having to get up after every song to flip the record. While I have probably 50 or so of the 45 editions, I find that I don't listen to them as often as my 33's. On the other hand, I have found that having 45 LP's and 45 singles is a great way to squeeze in a listening session on a busy day.

Cheers,

Gregory