A three-speed turntable can play all three standard sizes of vinyl records. Early mass-produced records were 10-inches in diameter and played at speeds of 78 rotations per minute (RPM). Columbia Records began releasing 12-inch vinyl records with speeds of 33 1/3 RPM in 1948.

Why do record players have different speeds?

The main reason that record players have different speeds is because different records are designed to be played at different speeds. Normally a record player will have 3 different speeds of 33, 45, and 78 RPM. You just have to adjust the speed based on which speed the record you are playing needs.

What are the 3 speeds on a record player?

Vinyl is pressed in one of 3 speeds: 33 1/3 Rotations Per Minute (RPM), 45 RPM, and 78 RPMs.

What were the 4 speeds on a record player?

In the 1950s, many of us can recall owning a phonograph with a selection lever near the turntable that allowed the listener to chose between four separate record speeds: 78, 45, 33.3 and 16 rpm (approximate numbers).

Do records play slower?

Is your record player slow? Perhaps a bit slower than it used to run? Over time, record players slow down for a number of reasons. From dirt build up to a stretched out belt, there are a variety of different issues that can significantly impact the speed of your record player.

Can all record players play 7-inch?

All record players do not play every single size of vinyl record. All record players will play the two most common sizes of vinyl record, those being 12-inch and 7-inch, but it is far less likely they will be able to play a 10-inch record.

What is better 33 or 45 RPM?

The higher the RPM, the faster the vinyl passes under the stylus. Because of this, records that are made to play 45 RPM have the potential to have more audio quality and less distortion when compared to 33 1/3 RPM records. 45 RPM will generally provide better high frequencies, especially at the end of a record side.

Why do vinyls sound slower?

Oftentimes, a loose belt is the main cause of a slow record player. This occurs because without the grip of the belt on the pulley, the turntable can move too slow, affecting the overall sound and quality of the playback.

Why do my vinyls sound weird?

Dirt and static electricity may cause good records to sound “scratchy”. An old or worn stylus will cause your records to sound bad or sound scratchy. This is because a worn stylus is getting down to the bottom of the record groove where there is no music.

How do you know what RPM your record is?

The RPM of a record will be printed somewhere on the record label, and all you need to do is switch your turntable from 33 1/3 to 45 mode.

Do Victrola turntables ruin records?

Cheap Victrola record players that are used properly should not damage your records beyond just shortening their lifespan a bit. Eventually this will cause the record to wear out and could also cause the grooves to become extremely damaged if the record skips a lot.

Are 78 rpm worth anything?

Tefteller said in a phone interview. He said that on average a rare jazz 78 might sell for $1,500 to $5,000, whereas sales for a comparable blues record would start at $5,000. Tefteller, 50, is one of the worlds most prolific collectors of Paramount blues.

What is the rarest 45 record?

John Tefteller wins the worlds rarest Sun 45 for $10,000 and its STILL a steal at that price!