In 1931 rca victor introduced the first 33 rpm records and players but they were a commercial failure.
Why different rpm vinyl.
Once vinyl took over for the next few decades all domestic record players had four speeds.
So let me complete that.
33 45 and 78 rpm represents the speed at which the record spins on your turntable.
Each not only has a very specific reasoning behind the speed but the state of technology at the time of invention has much to do with the playback speed as well.
But the record manufacturers felt the fickle public then deserting the phonograph in favor of a newer novelty the radio would be put off by the cost of converting from 78 to 33 1 3.
The fidelity possible at 78 rpm could now be had at a much slower speed 33 1 3.
Additionally longer wavelengths smaller angles in the grooves and the less complicated geometry at 45 rpm help to cut very precise grooves with very fine detail.
Jerry shafer has covered everything except the 16.
But hollywood exerted its influence in a different way.
If you re like most record lovers you ve probably flipped speeds from time to time in order to hear your music faster or slower than normal.
Anyone who s as old as this reporter will recall they had 78 4.
Vinyl records typically come in three speeds.
It s a funny little experiment but what are there three different speeds to begin with.
The higher the rpm the greater the length of vinyl picked up by the stylus and ultimately the more accurate our sound reproduction becomes.
33 45 and 78 rotations per minute rpm.