The Shortlist: A Beginner's Guide to Vinyl Lingo
Every hobby has its own language. Don't worry, you don't need a dictionary. Here are the essential terms you'll hear in the wild.
LP (Long Play)
This is the standard, 12-inch record that you think of when you picture a vinyl album. It holds a "long play" of music and almost always spins at 33 RPM (Revolutions Per Minute).
45 (or "a single")
This refers to the smaller, 7-inch records. They usually just have one song per side (an A-side and a B-side "single") and play at a faster speed of 45 RPM. Old jukeboxes were filled with these, and they often require a small plastic adapter to fit on a modern turntable.
Gatefold
A premium record sleeve that opens up like a book. It's a sign of quality, giving the artist a larger canvas for artwork, lyrics, or photos. It turns the record jacket into a piece of art in its own right.
Sleeve
This word can mean two things. The "outer sleeve" is the main cardboard jacket with the album art. The "inner sleeve" is the paper or plastic liner that the record itself lives inside, protecting its delicate grooves from scuffs and dust.
Stylus & Cartridge
The two parts that make up the "needle." The stylus is the tiny diamond tip that actually touches the record. The cartridge is the body that holds the stylus and turns its vibrations into an electrical signal. They are the first and most important instruments in your entire sound system.
You've Got the Basics
That's it! With these terms in your back pocket, you can walk into any record store with confidence. For a more comprehensive list, you can always consult our full Analog Lexicon.
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