Why were some 12" pressed at 45rpm & some pressed at 33rpm?

Was there any logic behind the speed they were pressed at?

Is it possible or indeed easy to look at 'unmarked 12' disc & tell just by looking at the grooves what the correct play speed is?

Cheers

Col.

Why were some 12" pressed at 45rpm & some pressed at 33rpm?

Was there any logic behind the speed they were pressed at?

Is it possible or indeed easy to look at 'unmarked 12' disc & tell just by looking at the grooves what the correct play speed is?

Cheers

Col.

Good question Col

Have asked the same question on here a few times before & never got an answer.

Where's Dewhirst when you need him.

Good question Col

Have asked the same question on here a few times before & never got an answer.

Where's Dewhirst when you need him.

think the answer was that when 12s came out there was no rule, like LPs are 33, and 7s and 45. With a 12 this rule didn't apply and some treated them like an album, others like a 45. I don't theink the answer is anything more elaborate than that.

think the answer was that when 12s came out there was no rule, like LPs are 33, and 7s and 45. With a 12 this rule didn't apply and some treated them like an album, others like a 45. I don't theink the answer is anything more elaborate than that.

Thanks for replies chaps. But is it possible to view your average 12" & work out the speed?

Thanks for replies chaps. But is it possible to view your average 12" & work out the speed?

Not really Col - many a DJ has been caught out with a "Pinky & Perky"

BTW haven't seen you out and about lately?

Initially the UK 12 was done at 45rpm and the US imports were 33rpm....

However, when tracks got "lengthened" by remixes or extended mixes in the UK, these were then often also done at 33rpm as to do them at 45rpm would have "compressed" the groove so losing recording quality....

So, the speed of the 12 was/is often dependent on the length of the track....

As for being able to "guess" the speed on unmarked 12s.... not easy, but you do tend to find the ones with a "larger" run out will be 33rpm.... also will be 33rpm if two tracks on on side....

Initially the UK 12 was done at 45rpm and the US imports were 33rpm....

However, when tracks got "lengthened" by remixes or extended mixes in the UK, these were then often also done at 33rpm as to do them at 45rpm would have "compressed" the groove so losing recording quality....

So, the speed of the 12 was/is often dependent on the length of the track....

As for being able to "guess" the speed on unmarked 12s.... not easy, but you do tend to find the ones with a "larger" run out will be 33rpm.... also will be 33rpm if two tracks on on side....

TK in the US were often 45.

TK in the US were often 45.

True Steve.... so probably should have said "usually" or "mainly" re US imports as there were the odd exceptions back in the early 80's when I collected them....

Edited April 16, 200916 yr by vaultofsouler

BTW haven't seen you out and about lately?

Thanks for asking, truth be known overcooked it a bit. Got caught up in the politics of scene. Now coming out on an occasional basis - now going for quality over quantity.

Hope to see you & et all @ Cleethorpes.

I remember when 12"ers came popular....it became almost like a fashion accesory didn't it.... Everything was so much better if it was on a 12".....I even remember buying old stuff like Stax on 12"....just barmy when you think about it now !