Understanding Turntable Speeds
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One of the first things a new vinyl listener notices is that records play at different speeds, usually labeled 33, 45, and sometimes 78. Those numbers refer to revolutions per minute, or how many times the record spins around in a minute. Playing a record at the wrong speed makes it sound too fast and high or too slow and low, so understanding which speed belongs to which record is basic but essential knowledge.
The most common speed for full-length albums is 33 and a third revolutions per minute, usually just called 33. This is the standard for the twelve-inch LPs that make up most record collections. The slower speed lets a lot of music fit on each side, which is why albums use it. When you set your turntable to 33, you are playing the format that dominates modern and classic album releases alike.
The 45 RPM speed is most associated with seven-inch singles, the smaller records that traditionally held one song per side. Many audiophile pressings and some twelve-inch releases also use 45 because the faster speed can capture more detail, at the cost of shorter playing time per side. If you have small singles or notice a record marked for 45, switch your turntable to that speed. Most modern decks change speeds with a switch or, on some, by moving the belt.
The 78 RPM speed belongs to older records, the shellac discs that predate the vinyl LP era. These play much faster and often require a different stylus, since their grooves are wider than those of modern records. Not every turntable supports 78, and playing these older discs properly can mean using a dedicated stylus. If you collect vintage records, confirm your turntable and stylus are suited to 78 before playing them.
Playing a record at the wrong speed will not usually damage it, but it sounds obviously wrong, so if the pitch seems off, check the speed setting first. Match the speed to the record, typically 33 for albums and 45 for singles, and reserve 78 for the appropriate vintage discs and stylus. Once you know which is which, selecting the right speed becomes second nature and your records will play back exactly as they were meant to sound.