Vinyl records, also known as gramophone records (phonograph records in American English) or vinyl record, commonly known as “a record”, is an analog sound storage medium in the form of a flat polyvinyl chloride (previously shellac) disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove. The groove usually starts near the periphery and ends near the center of the disc. Phonograph records are generally described by their diameter in inches (12″, 10″, 7″), the rotational speed in rpm at which they are played (331⁄3, 45, 78), and their time capacity resulting from a combination of those parameters (LP − long playing, SP − single, EP − 12″ single or extended play); their reproductive quality or “fidelity” (“high fidelity”, “orthophonic”, “full-range”, etc.), and the number of audio channels provided (“mono”, “stereo”, “quad”, etc.).

Why?

We find that people transfer their records for two main reasons:

Preserve your valuable record to prevent further damage occurring to these treasures. Every time you play the record, the record player’s needle gradually damages the records grooves. This does not even consider the fact that records get scratched or damaged through means. I had one lady deliver a recording of her mother singing….she had wrapped the record in multiple layers of protection to protect this valuable memory of her mother.
Access to special recordings is the other reason people transfer their vinyl records to CD’s. Not many of us still own a record player and therefore playing one’s classic records may not even be possible. Once transferred to a CD, the recordings can now be played anywhere…. in an ipod, on your computer, and in your car (imagine a record player in your car).

Why Should You Not Transfer?

I sometimes receive inquires about transferring a LP record to CD and find that the LP record is commercially available on CD. In this case I highly recommend that the customer purchase the commercially available CD.