A 78 is a type of phonograph record that was introduced in the late 19th century. It is called a 78 because it rotates at 78 revolutions per minute (RPM). 78s are made of shellac, a type of resin that is derived from the lac beetle. They are typically 10 or 12 inches in diameter and have a playing time of 3 to 5 minutes per side.
78s were the primary method of distributing recorded music from the late 1800s until the mid-1950s, when they were gradually replaced by vinyl records. However, 78s are still collected and enjoyed by audiophiles and enthusiasts today.
The History of 78s
The first 78s were produced by Emile Berliner in 1887. Berliner’s 78s were initially made of hard rubber, but he later switched to shellac because it was more durable and less noisy.
78s quickly became the standard format for recorded music, and they were used by all of the major record companies. In the early 1900s, 78s were typically sold in sets of four or more records, and they were often packaged in elaborate sleeves or boxes.
78s were also used for broadcasting radio programs in the early days of radio. However, as radio technology improved, 78s were gradually replaced by transcription discs, which were specifically designed for broadcasting.
The Decline of 78s
The popularity of 78s began to decline in the mid-1950s with the introduction of vinyl records. Vinyl records were made of a more durable material than shellac, and they had a longer playing time. Additionally, vinyl records were less noisy than 78s.
As a result of these advantages, vinyl records quickly became the standard format for recorded music. By the end of the 1960s, 78s had all but disappeared from the market.
The Revival of 78s
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in 78s. This is due in part to the growing popularity of vintage vinyl records. Additionally, many audiophiles and enthusiasts enjoy the unique sound quality of 78s.
There are now a number of companies that specialize in reissuing 78s on vinyl and CD. Additionally, there are a number of online resources that allow users to listen to 78s online.
The Future of 78s
It is unlikely that 78s will ever again become the primary method of distributing recorded music. However, they will likely continue to be collected and enjoyed by audiophiles and enthusiasts for many years to come.
Five facts about 78s
- The first 78s were made of hard rubber.
- 78s were the primary method of distributing recorded music for over 50 years.
- 78s were used for broadcasting radio programs in the early days of radio.
- The popularity of 78s began to decline in the mid-1950s with the introduction of vinyl records.
- There has been a resurgence of interest in 78s in recent years.
Tips for collecting 78s
If you are interested in collecting 78s, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start by looking for 78s at local record stores, flea markets, and garage sales.
- Be sure to inspect 78s carefully before you buy them. Look for scratches, cracks, or other damage.
- Clean 78s with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution.
- Store 78s in a cool, dry place.
Common mistakes to avoid when collecting 78s
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when collecting 78s:
- Do not use a cleaning brush with coarse bristles. This can damage the grooves of the record.
- Do not store 78s in a hot, humid environment. This can cause the records to warp.
- Do not play 78s on a turntable that is not designed for them. This can damage the record.
Pros and cons of collecting 78s
Here are some of the pros and cons of collecting 78s:
Pros:
- 78s are a unique and historical form of recorded music.
- 78s can be found for a relatively low cost.
- 78s can be a good investment.
Cons:
- 78s are fragile and can be easily damaged.
- 78s have a shorter playing time than vinyl records.
- 78s can be difficult to find in good condition.
How to listen to 78s
If you want to listen to 78s, you will need a turntable that is designed for them. Turntables for 78s typically play them at 78 RPM and have a stylus that is designed for the wider grooves of 78s.
Once you have a turntable, you can start listening to 78s! Here are a few tips:
- Handle 78s with care. They are fragile and can be easily damaged.
- Clean 78s with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution before playing them.
- Play 78s at the correct speed (78 RPM).
- Use a stylus that is designed for 78s.
New word generation
Here are some new words to generate ideas for new applications of 78s:
- Phonograph
- Shellac
- Resin
- Lac beetle
- Phonograph record
- Gramophone record
- Vinyl record
- Audiophile
- Enthusiast
- Reissue
- Broadcast
- Radio program
Tables
Table 1: The history of 78s
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Emile Berliner produces the first 78s |
| 1900s | 78s become the standard format for recorded music |
| 1950s | The popularity of 78s begins to decline with the introduction of vinyl records |
| 1960s | 78s all but disappear from the market |
Table 2: The pros and cons of collecting 78s
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique and historical | Fragile and can be easily damaged |
| Can be found for a relatively low cost | Shorter playing time than vinyl records |
| Can be a good investment | Can be difficult to find in good condition |
Table 3: Tips for collecting 78s
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Look for 78s at local record stores, flea markets, and garage sales | Be sure to inspect 78s carefully before you buy them |
| Clean 78s with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution | Store 78s in a cool, dry place |
Table 4: Tips for listening to 78s
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Handle 78s with care | Clean 78s with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution before playing them |
| Play 78s at the correct speed (78 RPM) | Use a stylus that is designed for 78s |
