The term "long play record," often abbreviated as LP, refers to a type of phonograph record format that was widely used for recorded music from the 1950s to the 1980s. It is a vinyl disc designed to be played at a speed of 33 1/3 revolutions per minute (RPM). The LP revolutionized the way music was consumed, as it provided a significantly longer duration of playtime compared to its predecessor, the 78 RPM record.
Known for its superior sound quality, an LP typically consists of a single grooved disc, with each side able to hold around 20-30 minutes of continuous music. This longer playing time allowed for the inclusion of more songs or extensive works, such as classical symphonies or concept albums, on a single record.
Long play records are 12 inches in diameter and made of vinyl, a durable and flexible plastic material that preserves sound fidelity. The grooves on an LP are inscribed in a spiral pattern, containing microscopic peaks and valleys that, when traced by a phonograph stylus, vibrate to reproduce sound.
LPs were widely used by music enthusiasts and became a primary format for releasing albums. However, their popularity declined with the advent of cassette tapes, compact discs, and digital music formats. Nonetheless, long play records enjoy a devoted following among collectors, and have experienced a contemporary resurgence in the modern age of vinyl revival.
