Image for Gramophone Records

Gramophone Records

Gramophone records, also known as vinyl records, are the original medium for storing sound recordings, developed in the late 19th century. They consist of a flat disc made of vinyl or shellac, with grooves that encode audio information. When played on a turntable, a needle (or stylus) follows these grooves, converting them into sound. Gramophone records were the primary way to deliver music before the digital age and are still cherished today for their unique sound quality and tactile experience. They come in various sizes, typically 33 1/3 RPM (long-playing) or 45 RPM (singles).