Evolution and Chronicle of Vinyl Disc Production
Vinyl's Never-Ending Allure
For the past century, vinyl records have been a heartbeat pulsing through our society. Our forefathers were the first to listen and love these remarkable pieces of tech, and they thought that was the peak of progress. Boy, were they wrong! In this age, we've sprung leaps and bounds forward. Yet, here we are, still enchanted by these simple music spinners. What's the secret? What makes these old-school disks still shine today? Well, it's the history, mate. Things have stories. Records? They've got vinyl tales to tell that go way back. Join us as Big Fudge dives into the captivating history of vinyl records.
📌 Birth of a Legend:
Back in 1877, the world's first recorded record was crafted by the one and only, Thomas Edison. At that time, he named it a phonograph record, and it looked nothing like the wax disks we're familiar with today. Instead, Edison recorded sound on tinfoil wrapped around a metal cylinder tube. As technology progressed, he transitioned to a hollow wax cylinder, but it wasn't until 1889 that things started sounding right.
Enter Emile Berliner, a German-American inventor. He brought us the gramophone and its laterally-cut disc records. In the early days of gramophones, they were mostly marketed in Europe and didn't exactly take off. However, Berliner and his partner, Eldridge R. Johnson, turned the tables by creating larger, top-notch records. In 1901, they formed the Victor Talking Machine Company in Camden, New Jersey. The company later moved to Montreal, where you can still visit the museum today to immerse yourself in vinyl history.
📌 The Groovy Evolution:
By 1903, 12-inch discs were the norm, and they could play music for around three to four minutes. In 1909, Thomas Edison took plastic into the studio to create Blue Amberol Records, making them extremely durable and long-lasting. And in 1919, the history of vinyl records hit a crossroads: all patents and copyrights had expired, which meant these records could be mass-produced by numerous companies worldwide.
📌 Speeding Things Up:
RPM stands for rotations per minute, and it determines how fast the disc spins. Originally, records were played on hand-cranked machines, so the average speed was around 78 RPM, which created three to four-minute-long sides. The 45s were smaller and usually held only one song per side. But things really started rolling when producers discovered they could make smaller discs while maintaining good audio quality – enter the 33s. This shift made it possible for records to play about twenty-two minutes per side, perfect for a full album. Modern records you buy today are typically 33s.
📌 Vinyl Preservation:
Today, we're witnessing a retro revival – old is new again. From vintage clothing to repurposed furniture, everything that's old is cool. Vinyl records and their history are no exception. Young adults in their 20s have embraced records as a cult-like following. Thrift and antique stores are overflowing with vinyl enthusiasts on a quest for some old-school, spinning gold. The older, the better!
However, it's not just old records that are flying off the shelves. You'll find collections of both old and new records at vinyl shops. What matters most for both is proper care. Whether you're looking for cleaning items or tips on starting a collection, Big Fudge is your go-to place. Check out our blog or drop us a message! 🎼🔥💿
As the revival of nostalgia sweeps through our society, vinyl records have found their place not just in home-and-garden settings, but also in our lifestyle and entertainment preferences. Modern music enthusiasts, especially those in their 20s, are embracing vinyl records as a symbol of appreciation for music's rich history, making them as prominent in today's entertainment scene as they were in the past. Visit Big Fudge for all your vinyl record preservation needs.
