Do All LPs Have LPS on Them?

When it comes to vinyl records, a common question among audiophiles and casual listeners alike is: "Do all LPs have LPs on them?" This query might seem straightforward, but it's actually quite nuanced and deserves a detailed exploration. Let's delve into the world of vinyl to understand this query better.

Understanding the Acronyms: LP and LPs

Before we proceed, let's clarify the acronyms. LP stands for Long Play, a format introduced by Columbia Records in 1948. It's a type of gramophone record that plays at a speed of 33⅓ revolutions per minute (RPM). On the other hand, LPs (without the period) typically refers to Long Playing records, which is a more general term encompassing all records that play at 33⅓ RPM, not just those produced by Columbia.

Do All LPs Have LPs on Them?

Now, let's address the main question. The short answer is: not necessarily. While all LPs are indeed LPs (Long Playing records), not all LPs contain LPs (Long Playing records) on them. Confusing, right? Let's break this down.

Standard LPs

When you think of a typical LP, you're likely imagining a 12-inch vinyl record with a 12-inch diameter. These standard LPs usually contain LPs on them, i.e., they play at 33⅓ RPM. They typically hold around 22-25 minutes of music per side, allowing for approximately 45-50 minutes of total playtime.

Extended Play (EP) Records

Now, let's consider the exception to the rule. Extended Play (EP) records are also LPs, as they play at 33⅓ RPM. However, they usually have a shorter playtime than standard LPs. EPs typically have a smaller diameter (7 or 10 inches) and fewer grooves per inch, allowing them to hold less music. So, while EPs are LPs, they don't contain LPs (Long Playing records) on them in the same sense as standard LPs.

Other Vinyl Formats

It's also worth mentioning other vinyl formats that aren't LPs. For instance, 78 RPM records, which were popular in the early 20th century, are not LPs. Similarly, 45 RPM singles, introduced by RCA Victor in the 1940s, are also not LPs. These formats play at different speeds and have different playtimes, so they don't contain LPs on them.

Why the Confusion?

The confusion likely arises from the dual meaning of the term "LP." When used as an acronym, LP refers to a specific format (Long Playing records). However, when used as an abbreviation, LPs can refer to any record that plays at 33⅓ RPM, including Extended Play records. This ambiguity can lead to the misconception that all LPs have LPs on them.

Conclusion

In the world of vinyl, not all LPs have LPs on them. While standard LPs do contain LPs (Long Playing records), Extended Play records, which are also LPs, do not. Understanding this nuance requires a grasp of the various vinyl formats and their playtimes. So, the next time you're perusing a record store, you'll have a better understanding of the LPs you're browsing.