Vinyl Records

posted Monday, December 4th by Sam Joseph Bruckner

Vinyl Records are a physically present form of music that are typically printed on wax or even metal in some cases. The concept of sound exertion was proven via an experiment being led by Thomas Edison. This occurred in 1877 when both Thomas and his assistants attached the diaphragm of a telephone receiver to that of a finite needle. This resulted in sound being tangibly etched into sheets of paper and the craft was quickly nicknamed, ‘sound writing.’ Soon, they created a phonograph which was not only able to record sound but also, in turn, play it back. 


How do they work?! 


Put simply, sound is vibration. Vinyls take those vibrations that travel throughout the air and transpose it into a more permanent, stable medium. When connected to an amplifier, the vibrations then are released, recreating the original frequencies, initially played in the studio. 

Fun Fact:

This would mean that musicians would be required to do all of their mix and mastering of the audio tracks prior to them being recorded. Lucky for the sake of progress, that is no longer the case. 



Record Stores: 

Buying records is a great way to support your local music stores and unwind to some amazing tunes! 


Search google for "record stores near me" in order to explore! 


Now, anyone can convert, using a daw, (digital audio workstation) to any format. This can be done by making use of a variety of different online vendors who would use advanced printing technology. All modern day vinyl records start with an aluminum core that is then sanded down. (Sound Matters) From there, the records are given a finishing of lacquer. Once the coating substance, similar to that of nail polish, has fully dried the disc will be placed on a pedestal where a vacuum will be attached to its center. After that, a microscope and cutter are carefully moved along the outer edge ready to perform a test cut. This is the scratching you hear when you first play a new record. Using a sapphire ripped cutter, the sound engineer will then begin recording as the cutter engraves one continuous groove into the steady material. 


And Boom!! Just like that in a couple hours you will have your vinyl record. This is a very delicate and artisan (hand-crafted) practice which is considered to be an artform, as it can take years for one to perfect! 



To infinity and far beyond!