Sunday, July 31, 2011

What Is 180 Gram Vinyl?

When buying and selling records you need to understand what is meant by the phrase, 180 gram vinyl. This has a lot to do with the value of the record because it will be a determining factor in the overall quality of the album. To make records, manufacturers use a technique called pressing. The vinyl is cut into a circular shape and then the pressing process imprints grooves into the vinyl. When the needle on the turntable passes through these grooves, it creates the amazing sound you hear.

180 gram vinyl actually refers to the weight of the vinyl record and it's considered a heavy grade vinyl. The standard record weighs between 120 and 140 grams. This is what a lot of the records were recorded on in the past because they were mass-produced and many companies used the cheaper grade vinyl to save money. However, by doing so, they also sacrificed quality.

Records recorded on this lower grade vinyl will not last as long when played as the heavier grade. The grooves begin to wear down quickly and the sound becomes distorted. They're easier to scratch, causing the music to skip and they break easier, too. This is why some companies chose to use the 180g or 200g vinyl instead of the cheaper grade, although the 200g is very rare. They wanted to provide the public with the best records possible.

This heavier grade is more durable so they last much longer than the cheaper grades. They also have better sound quality, which is something that all music lovers can appreciate. The thicker vinyl allows for deeper grooves to be pressed into the vinyl and this is what helps to create better sound. You won't hear the typical cracking and popping that you'll hear in the lower grade vinyl. These heavier grade records are usually flatter and this also helps to create the quieter sound.

The 180 gram vinyl records are the ones that the true audiophiles search for the most. These are the people who can really appreciate the warm, rich tones they produce. You can play these albums over and over and not have to worry about wearing them out to the point they need to be replaced.

Good reproductions made today use the 180g vinyl and this is what you need to look for when collecting albums. This way, you'll know that you're receiving good quality records that will last. The extra weight in these records also means you don't have to worry about warping, a common problem with the cheaper grades. The next time you buy records, look for the ones made from the 180 gram vinyl.

About the Author:

180 Gram Records is a premier producer and distributor of collectible vinyl records from best selling music artists and other limited-run collectible merchandise. They offer select and expertly crafted items to satisfy the demands of collectors, music enthusiasts, and fans alike.


View the original article here

No comments:

Post a Comment