7", 10", 12" ?

[matty]

O.K. this might sound like a not so intelligent question, but i am gonna ask it anyway. What is the difference between a 7" 10" and a 12" record? aren't they all singles ?

[Lion]

More space biger groves 10"/12"
Sound better if they good masterd.

Lion

[Rob Strictly Rockers]

As lion says - More space and bigger grooves on 10/12" which tended to mean better defined deeper bass.

Rob

[strictly-vibes.com]

Greets

7" / 10" / 12" are record size. But not necessary Singles. You need to check speed too ...

I explain.

12" - 33RPM is an Album but 12" - 45RPM is a Single (Discomix / EP)

7" is usually 45RPM but some guys say to have seen a 7" 33RPM. But single all the time.

10" 33RPM (like Twinkle Brothers original Love album) is usually with 2/3 tune per side.

etc ...

[matty]

you've just aswered my qustion.
respect
matty

[JP]

adding to strictly vibes comments.......

Pre 1950 the 10" was the original vinyl format, playing at 78 rpm.

In the late 40's / early 50's 12" records playing at 33 appeared for the first time, known as the long player (LP).

From the 1970s onward 12"s 10"s & 7"s could be found that play at 33 rpm & 45 rpm.

7" can have up to 6 (short) tracks over both sides, originally playing at 45rpm and called an EP (extended play). Later some labels put out 7" that played at 33 - Channel 1 in Jamaica had a couple that had vocal followed by dub (on both sides) ina 12" stylee.

The 12" playing at 45 first happened in the late 70's / early 80's (special pressings initially for DJ's on radio or at the disco) before they became commercially available. These records should have a superior sound over any other vinyl format.

[jahadambom]

yeah man. Also keep in mind that Not all 12" singles are Disco Singles. The term "Disco 45" usually refers to the fact that this particular tune was specifically mastered and pressed (with wider grooves) to play especially louder than other formats, on the same volume level. Most Disco versions are also extended versions which means that the vocal version continues without a pause into the dub or instrumental version(s). Some 12"s might have the instrumental as a separate track on the same side as the vocal, or maybe even as the b-side tune. No matter what order they put the tunes, you'll find that the 12" disco in your collection are the real gems because they often have the rare, alternate and extended disco versions of some of your favorite tunes. While they usually say the word DISCO on the label or company sleeve, some don't. But you know it when you put the needled down on it as it blows away the sound of the LP record you were playing just before!! It seems nowadays when you get a good roots revive reggae CD or LP that has bonus tracks on it, they are often 12" versions put out at the same time but not included on the LP. A lot of the best compilation (various artist) albums are mostly previously available only as singles. Even some of our favorite reggae albums only started out as singles(7", 10" or 12") before they were thrown together as a full length. Give thanks for the roots reggae single-some of the wickedest sounds on vinyl!! Jahadambom
http://www.bomreggae.com
http://www.topshota.com
jahadambom@yahoo.com

[leggo rocker]

I am not a fan of 7inch singles, mainly because they are hard work to play at home, too much getting up to flip the disk. But the main problem I have with them is that invariably they have been played to death so buying them on ebay etc is touch and go. 90% of my 7inch singles have LOADS of noise on them.

I didn't used to be that much into the 12inch 45 format (or 'Foot Long' as they are sometimes called) but after getting some in a job lot of reggae disks I woke up to the joy of collecting and listening to the Disco 12s. As previous writers have said they often have brilliant and otherwise un released versions.

And I even have one or two Disco '45s' that for some reason play at 33rpm NOT 45!!

[Rob]

What is a dublate? Is it always a 12"? Or can there be 7" dubplates? Why do they usually cost so much?

[joe]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubplate