Gramophone record

A gramophone record, (also phonograph record - often simply record) is an analog sound recording medium: a flat disc rotating at a constant angular velocity, with inscribed spiral grooves in which a stylus or needle rides. Analogue audio recording onto a disc was the main technology used for the storing of recorded sound for most of the 20th century. By 1988 digital media such as the compact disc surpassed the gramophone record in popularity, but gramophone records continue to be made (although in very limited quantities) into the 21st century, particularly for DJs doing live remixes and for local acts recording on small regional labels. Used records are still sold in decent numbers and remain a common part of many music collections. Most major releases still recieve a vinyl release, sometimes with bonus tracks and artwork.

Packaging and Distribution

Singles were typically sold in plain paper wrappers, though EPs where often treated to a cover in similar style to an LP. LPs were universally packaged in cardboard covers with a paper liner protecting the delicate surface of the record. Also, with the advent of long-playing records, the album cover became more than just packaging and protection, and album cover art became an important part of the music marketing and consuming experience. In the 1970's it became more common to have picture covers on singles. However, many singles with picture sleeves (especially from the 1960s) are sought out by collecters, and the sleeves alone can go for a high price. LPs could have textured cover art (with some sections being raised), something that is rarely done on CD covers.

Related Topics:
Cardboard - Album cover - Album cover art

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Records were made at large manufacturing plants, either owned by the major labels, or run by independent operators to whom smaller operation and independent labels could go to for smaller runs. A band starting out might get a few hundred disks stamped, whereas big selling artists like Simon and Garfunkel would need the presses running full time to manufacture the hundreds of thousands of copies needed for the launch of a big album.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Records were generally sold through specialist shops. However, chain stores such as Woolworths and W H Smith in the UK also would also have record departments. A lot of records were sold from stock, but, before the arrival of large warehouse style retailers, it was normal practise to have to order the less common records. Stock was expensive, so only large city center stores could afford to have several copies of a record, and even then local stores might not stock a complete range by an artist.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Records were luxury items and in the mid-1960's a typical price was 33 shillings (£1.60) in the UK for a full price record. Most record companies had cut-price labels selling sampler or compilations at 10 shillings (£0.50). These would have simple covers and track selections picked to ensure that the main products were not undercut. Prices were listed and rarely discounted (manufacturers were allowed to insist on maintaining a selling price in those days). In the 1970's, incomes rose and prices fell. With the advent of discount warehouses such as the Virgin warehouses founded by Richard Branson in the UK, buying LPs became very affordable, and it was easy to get the top titles of the time such as Fleetwood Mac Rumours for around £3.00, though recommended prices were around £5.00. During the 1980's prices rose to around £5.00 discounted, £8.00 recommended, compared with the £10 or more for a CD.

Related Topics:
Virgin - Richard Branson - Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~