*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you are planning on shipping a bunch of records or are just curious about how heavy each record is then you are in the right place. In this article I will cover some general info about records, how much each record weighs and more.
How heavy is a vinyl record? The weight of any normal vinyl record can vary from one manufacturer to another, but a normal weight is around 1.5 ounces for a 7-inch record, 3.5 ounces for a 10-inch record and 4.2 ounces for a 12-inch record.
Records heavier than these are considered to be “Heavy” records. The weight of “heavy” records can vary quite a bit.
The weight can play a vital role in the record’s quality. Records can degrade while playing but the heavier records last long and the quality of sound is often better as compared to lightweight records. While holding a heavy record, you can often feel the heavier weight and the quality of the record.
The only limitations with the heavier records are that they are expensive to build and to ship. The time that is needed to manufacture them is also longer than traditional records.
Do you love playing your vinyl records but your record player has seen better days? Well, you are in luck! There are tons of great record players that not only have great sound quality but also won’t break the bank. You can find them by clicking here.
If you love records and record players, you must get a record-cleaning kit like this one. It is designed to ensure that your records stay in excellent condition to last you for decades.
Get this cleaning set and keep your vinyl records in perfect condition!
Shipping Vinyl Records
If you need to know the weight of records because you are planning on shipping them then the video below is for you. In the video you will learn how to properly pack up your records for shipping to keep them safe.
If you wanted to know the weight of records because you were curious then keep reading below to learn more about that.
History
Vinyl records have played an important role in the early music industry and have made a special place in the hearts of many people.
The first Vinyl record was made during the 1930s marketed as a “Program Transcription” disc.
From then until now, these records have shaped the music world and have created many stars and fans along the way.
This is among one of the analog sound storage systems. It uses a microgroove system to record the music on the circular disc. They came in different sizes and are normally found in diameters of 7 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches. The weight of each record varies accordingly.
The material used to make Vinyl records
The material used to make Vinyl records are divided into categories of those needed to make the master disc, another which is used for pressing the disc and the materials needed for branding and labeling like on sleeves, labels, and jackets.
Black Lacquer was used to make the master discs to mark the grooves to carry the sound in a recording. Silver was used for covering the finished disc, and for pressing the vinyl records, chromium-plated nickel discs were used.
The records were made in different colors but mainly black plastic was used to make the records.
How Vinyl records are made
The process of making Vinyl records comes from the time of Thomas Edison. In this, the engineers first make a master record in the studio. Then an object known as the lacquer is placed on a cutting machine, and it rotates, the electric signals from the first master recording travel through a cutting head to a stylus or needle. And this is the needle which etches groove in the lacquer to the center of the circular disc. And then this lacquer is sent to companies.
Further in these production companies, metals like nickel or silver are used to coat the lacquer. After separating the metal master from the lacquer, the resulting disc comes with ridges instead of grooves. They create the mother record with a metal master which is used to form stampers.
Stampers are like a negative version of the original recording that is used to make the Vinyl records. With stamper in the hydraulic press and vinyl sandwiched in between. Then with the help of heating and cooling a final Vinyl Record is made.
It is the weight which helps to make good quality grooves on the disc and help them last longer while playing.
Advantages of Heavier Records
There are some advantages to heavy records. That is why records like 140 gm Vinyl records are famous in the market and among the Vinyl record lovers.
- Durable – Heavy Vinyl records are more durable than an average record. By durability, here we mean the resistance towards breakage or warping. The grooves are also longer lasting and of high clarity.
- Decreased flutter – Some experts believe that the heavy mass of thick records helps in reducing the wow and flutter. They help the platter move at the same speed.
- Isolation– Thicker or heavier records protect the stylus from the interference of vibrations. The increased weight absorbs more vibration and gives the sound with less crackling, popping, etc.
- Fascinated the mind- When we hold heavy records we will often be fascinated by them. Our brain feels that we are holding a high quality record which gives more pleasure and satisfaction to our mind. Heavier records seem like they should be more valuable as well.
Disadvantages of Heavy Weight
- Pressure and friction- The heavy weight of the record puts more pressure on the turntable which results in higher friction that can heat the record and the player. This excess heating can damage the record if you aren’t careful.
- Harder to maintain– Vinyl records are harder to maintain and with an increase in weight and thickness, they can cause difficulty in storage and maintenance.
- Expensive– Heavy vinyl records are normally more expensive and have the same music as the cheaper options. If you are looking to buy a collection with as little money as possible then you should avoid heavy records.
- Longer Manufacturing– A heavy vinyl records take more time to manufacture as compared with standard records.
Does the weight contribute to the quality?
In most cases, heavier records are considered being of high quality but that is not always the case. The qualities of any record depend not only upon the weight of the record. Many times, heavy records turn out to be of higher quality than other normal records but this isn’t always the case.
The major factor in the quality of any record is the quality of material or the material used in the record’s manufacturing. A record can be of standard weight with a good quality of material used just like a heavy record can be made with higher quality material.
If you were to pull a normal record and a heavy record off the shelf and compare them, the heavier record would normally have better sound quality but not in every case.
Conclusion
Vinyl records were famous for their feel and sound quality. Records are slowly returning to the mainstream as many nostalgia buffs are trying to collect them. They typically weigh around 1-4 ounces which may vary from one manufacturer to another and on the size of the record.
The “heavy” records are considered to be higher quality than standard records but that is not always true. The quality of material used in manufacturing plays a vital role in determining the quality of vinyl records and the sound stored on them.
Whether your records are heavy or standard always be sure to keep them clean and store them in a place where they are protected from sunlight and water damage.