Gramophone

Definition

The earliest form of recording on flat disc was made from Shellac resin from 1898 to the 1950s.

Gramophone records evolved to be played at 78 rpm (revolutions per minute). The disc came in two sizes: the 12-inch disc playtime was 4–5 minutes per side and the 10-inch disc playtime was 3 minutes per side. The 10-inch record was most common.

The sound quality was characterised by the limited frequency range recorded. Lower frequency instruments were not reproduced very well in gramophone recordings.