Gramophone Records

Gramophone Records

Gramophone records, also known as phonograph records, are analog sound storage mediums that were widely used from the late 19th century until the advent of digital audio in the 1980s. These records were made of a flat disc, typically made of shellac, vinyl, or other materials, with a spiral groove etched into the surface. When played on a phonograph or turntable, a stylus or needle would be placed in the groove, causing it to vibrate and produce sound. The first gramophone records were invented by Emile Berliner in the late 1880s and were initially made of a hard rubber material. However, these early records were fragile and prone to breaking, and it wasn't until the introduction of shellac records in the early 20th century that gramophone records became a practical and widely-used medium for recorded music. Gramophone records were produced in a variety of sizes, with the most common being the 10-inch and 12-inch formats. They were also produced in different speeds, with the most common being 78 revolutions per minute (RPM), although later records were produced at 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM. Despite the advent of digital audio, gramophone records have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with many audiophiles and music enthusiasts preferring the warm, analog sound of vinyl records over digital recordings.

analog, sound storage, phonograph, turntable, vinyl

— William Robinson

CITATION : "William Robinson. 'Gramophone Records.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/gramophone-records?E=348752 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"