LP vs Vinyl – What is the Difference?
In the world of music, terms like ‘LP’ and ‘vinyl’ are often used, sometimes interchangeably, which can create confusion about their meanings and differences. This article aims to clarify these terms, exploring the specifics of what LPs and vinyl records are, their lengths, the concept of a double LP, and whether or not LP and vinyl refer to the same thing.
What are Vinyls?
Vinyls are a type of physical music format, known for their analog sound quality. They are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are characterized by their grooved surface. Vinyl records come in various sizes and speeds, with the most common being the 12-inch LP (long play) and the 7-inch single. The term ‘vinyl’ is often used to refer to any record made from PVC, regardless of its size or the length of the music recorded on it.
What are an LP?
An LP, or Long Play, refers specifically to a type of vinyl record. LPs were introduced in the late 1940s by Columbia Records and are designed to play at a speed of 33 1/3 revolutions per minute (RPM). The standard LP is 12 inches in diameter and can hold approximately 40-45 minutes of music, with about 20-22 minutes per side. LPs were a significant development in the music industry as they allowed for longer albums compared to the earlier 78 RPM records, which could only hold about 3-5 minutes per side.
How Long is an LP?
Typically, an LP can play for about 40-45 minutes in total, with each side holding 20-22 minutes of music. However, this can vary slightly depending on the recording’s mastering and how the grooves are spaced on the vinyl. The duration is limited by the physical space on the record’s surface for the grooves. If the grooves are packed too tightly, it can affect sound quality, which is why there is a practical limit to how much music can fit on an LP.
What does Double LP Vinyl Mean?
A double LP refers to a set of two LP records packaged as a single unit. This format is typically used for albums that are too long to fit on a standard LP. A double LP can hold approximately 80-90 minutes of music, providing artists with more space for their creative output. These sets often come in gatefold covers, which open like a book and offer more space for artwork and liner notes.
Is Vinyl and LP the Same?
While the terms ‘vinyl’ and ‘LP’ are related, they are not exactly the same. ‘Vinyl’ is a broader term that refers to the material (polyvinyl chloride) used to make these records and encompasses all types of vinyl records, regardless of size or length. On the other hand, ‘LP’ specifically refers to a format of vinyl record – the 12-inch, 33 1/3 RPM long play record. Thus, while all LPs are vinyl records, not all vinyl records are LPs; the category of vinyl records also includes singles, EPs, and 78 RPM records.
