Vinyl records have been popular since the 1930s but have gone down after the 1990s. However, vinyl records are experiencing a resurgence.
Vinyl records are coming back because they are a tangible item that people can collect. Many buyers are music enthusiasts that try to find rare collectibles. Millennials also make up a large majority of vinyl record sales. There is a certain culture behind the product.
Until recently, vinyl records have been a thing of the past; however, within the past few years, they have made a striking comeback. This article will describe what vinyl records are, the different types of vinyl records and why they are becoming popular again. Let’s dive into it!
Vinyl Records Explained
Vinyl records, or phonograph records, are flat disks that store sound through inscribed spiral grooves. Record players use electromagnetic technology to produce sound. The inscribed spiral grooves in the record produce sound vibrations. The player then converts the sound vibrations into electrical signals. Lastly, these electrical signals are played through the speakers and amplified.
The needle on the record players is called a transducer. Transducers turn mechanical energy into electrical energy. The sound is originally in the form of mechanical energy, and the needle turns that into electrical energy. As mentioned before, the player then amplifies the electrical energy through the speakers, making music.
Different Types of Vinyl Records
Even though there are many different shapes and sizes of vinyl records, there are four kinds that are still popular today. Let’s look at a few.
LP (12-Inch Albums)
LP’s, short for Long-Playing, are thick, black vinyl records that can play anywhere from 33-45 RPM (higher RPM means better sound quality). These kinds of records were introduced in the late 40s and were a major upgrade from current players at the time. Long Players can hold up to 26 minutes of music on each side.
7 Inch Singles
Hitting their peak in the 1950s, these record players are much more durable and of higher quality than others before that time. However, they can only fit one or two songs on them. People normally played Seven-inch vinyl records in jukeboxes due to their small size and a larger hole in the middle. These qualities made it easy for the jukebox to grab.
12 Inch Singles
These kinds of records can hold more songs than 7-inch singles. There are usually two sides to the record, a “Side A” and a “Side B.” One side typically had one single on it, and the other side had live recordings or remixes from the album. Many collectors and DJ’s use these types of records.
Twelve-inch singles appeared in the 1970s and became popular around 1980. Some 12-inch singles are 45 RPM, which means a better sound quality, higher volume, and a broader dynamic range.
EPs/Extended Plays
These kinds of record players can hold two to five songs. They can either be seven or twelve inches and are either 33 ⅓ or 45 RPM. There is no one format for EPs; they can differ in size and quality.
Extended Plays became popular since they do not take as much time to make as full-length records do, but they still offer a desirable amount of songs. Generally, EP’s have been most popular with indie and punk bands but have recently grown more popular with many different music genres.
Records Are Tangible, Collectible Items
There are a few reasons why vinyl records have made a comeback, but a big reason is that they are tangible items that people can collect. Much of the music today is in digital form. Lost are the days where you go to a music store and search through the racks. However, the comeback of vinyl records allows music lovers to collect hands-on items. Once again, enthusiasts can visit stores and talk to the store clerk about new finds.
Vinyl Records Offer a More Intentional Listening Experience
Setting up a vinyl record takes a bit longer than pressing the play button on a streaming service. When one sets up a vinyl record, it is intentional. Vinyl records give people a chance to sit down near the record and intently listen. These are great opportunities for families to spend some quality time together. It is also becoming more popular for young adults to have get-togethers based around new vinyl record finds.
Records Offer a Different Sound Quality
Even though we have new technology today that offers many different sound qualities, vinyl records offer their own quality. Vinyl does not necessarily sound better than digital forms of music like CDs, but they offer a unique sound, which is why people love them.
Vinyl records have a higher dynamic range than digital formats. This fact means that the record sounds more life-like instead of sounding like a studio recording. There are more variants in the volume of the music.
Another reason why vinyl records have a different sound is that a lot of digital music today is compressed. Compressing music makes it easier for people to store them on the internet or your phone. However, compressed songs have a lower quality. When technicians compress a song, some details of the music can be lost.
Vinyl Collections Are Making a Comeback
Since records are tangible items you can buy, vinyl collectors are making a comeback, as mentioned before. About 27% of people who purchase vinyl are over 36 years old. Many of these buyers are vinyl collectors and do it as a hobby. Collecting records gives them a chance to experience their youth again since many of these collectors grew up with records.
Vinyl Records Are Part of a New Culture
One of the many trends amongst young people nowadays is owning and collecting vinyl records. Vinyl records are a big part of the culture in some scenes and draw many people together. They are a big part of the new wave of indie alternative/indie-folk music.
The movement is all about enjoying where you are in life. It also is a bit of a resistance to the digital world and the vast quantity of products that the internet offers. Collecting vinyl is more about quality music versus quantity.
Thousands of millennials support vinyl record sales and have been the reason that vinyl has surpassed CD sales. The culture behind the music centers on slowing down and enjoying things. It is about finding genuine, quality music and sharing it with the people you love.
Furthermore, collecting vinyl has become the ‘cool thing’ to do. Having a solid collection is almost seen as a right of passage within many millennial groups.
There Are Newer Machines Available
Much like any other product, there are many different options available for record players. You can even buy a machine with BlueTooth speakers, like the Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player. There are also hundreds of colors and patterns you can buy them in. The new range of possibilities for record players no doubt adds to the attractiveness of the hobby.
Conclusion
Vinyl records made a comeback for a few different reasons. Unlike many digital platforms, vinyl records are collectible. There is now a market for vinyl records, and people can go to music shops again and discuss their favorite albums with the shop owner. Furthermore, many buyers are above 35 years old and are avid collectors.
Hundreds of millennials are part of the new culture vinyl records offer. It’s common for groups of people to get together and share their new vinyl finds, sitting around the record player and enjoying the music. Promoting a culture of friendship, meaning, and slowing down.