06/21/2026
We have recently started adding hundreds of 45 RPM vinyl records to our selections, and we continue to add hundreds of additional 33-1/3 vinyl albums.
So, what is the difference.
Actually there are a couple of distinct, and important differences between the two, along with several other variations.
First, and most often quoted is the difference in sound quality. The 45 RPM recording has the ability to deliver a far richer sound than the 33-1/3s. The first reason is the actual speed of rotation. With the record traveling at 45 RPM the stylus covers more distance, the wider groove allows for more complex sound waves to be captured. All together the 45 is engineered to provide a broader dynamic range, cleaner high frequencies, and higher fidelity. Also the wider groove lessens the distortion that can occur on the narrower grooves of 33-1/3s on tracks near the center of the record.
There are trade offs. The 45s only provide a maximum of a little more than 10 minutes per side. Most were recorded with even less as it was common to only record one song per side, usually around 3-1/2minutes. LPs can capture more than 22 minutes per side, and usually did. Putting an LP on the turntable means you have almost a half hour of music before the record need changing.
There is also the factor of production quality. 45s were intended to be the quick mass market distribution mechanism for music. They were usually distributed with only a paper sleeve protecting them. They were often handled for more casually that albums. Albums were treated as a higher end purchase. LPs usually sold in protective cardboard cases, with quality art work on the covers. The discs also had a protective paper sleeve, and often contained additional material, lyrics, biographical info on the artists, etc. This additional initial cost meant that albums usually received better treatment than their 45 brethren. However, we do work to obtain clean, well loved vinyl in both formats.
Aside from the potential difference in sound quality, there is another difference that I believe may be far more important to most audiophiles.
The music an artist released on a 45 was usually not the same as the same titles issued on albums. Albums were often released some time after the initial 45 release. It was quite common for the album music to be a totally different version, with different musicians making up the band, different lyrics, recorded in different studios.
But, both formats are true analog recording of the artists' work. Both can contain fantastic music, but to hear the original version of a beloved memory, often the 45 is the only choice. . We sell both, and love both formats. Just remember, they are similar, but not the same.
And we'd love to have you check out our growing selection.
We're still only open on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, and the repairs are moving slowly. But they are moving, and we're committed to being here.
Come see us.
