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Vinyl Record Terms Explained: LP, 45RPM, Stylus, Groove

Tap a term to see what it means.

LP (Long Play)

The standard album-format record, played at 33β…“ RPM, holding about 20+ minutes of music per side.

Single (45RPM)

A smaller record played at 45 RPM, typically used for singles containing one or two tracks.

Stylus (Needle)

The core turntable component that traces the record's grooves and converts the vibrations into sound.

Groove

The fine spiral channel etched into the record surface β€” its physical contours encode the sound itself.

Sleeve

The paper or plastic inner covering that protects the record from dust and scratches.

Gatefold

An album cover that opens like a book, providing extra room for artwork and liner notes.

Warping

When a record becomes uneven or bent due to heat or improper storage β€” a major cause of degraded sound quality.

Crate Digging

The collector's practice of searching through used record stores or warehouses to find rare or underrated albums.

Vinyl Stays Popular Even in the Streaming Era

Even as streaming dominates music consumption, vinyl records remain popular thanks to their distinctive warm analog sound and the tangible pleasure of owning a physical copy. Knowing the basic terminology helps when shopping for used records or maintaining a turntable.

Fixing a Warped Record

Light warping is sometimes addressed by pressing the record between heavy sheets of glass over an extended period, though severely warped records are often difficult to fully restore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do LPs and 45RPM singles play at different speeds?

Yes β€” LPs play at 33β…“ RPM while 45RPM singles play at 45 RPM, so the turntable needs to be set to the correct speed for each.

Can a warped record be flattened again?

Light warping is sometimes fixed by pressing the record between heavy glass plates over time, but severely warped records are often difficult to fully restore.