180g, 45 RPM and coloured vinyl explained
Record listings are full of terms. Here's what they mean, and which ones actually change the sound.
LP, EP and single
An LP (long player) is the standard 12-inch album, usually played at 33⅓ RPM. A 2LP or 3LP spreads the album over more discs. An EP is a shorter release, and a 7-inch single is the small record with one song per side, usually at 45 RPM.
33⅓ vs 45 RPM
RPM is how fast the record spins. Most albums play at 33⅓. Some audiophile reissues are cut at 45 RPM across more discs: the faster speed gives the groove more room, which can mean better detail and less distortion near the centre of the record. The trade-off is flipping sides more often. Check the label before you play, because the wrong speed sounds obviously off.
180g (heavyweight) vinyl
A standard record weighs about 120–140 grams. 180g pressings are thicker, so they sit flatter, resist warping and feel more solid. A good mastering and pressing matter more for sound than weight, but heavyweight records are a sign the release was made with care.
Coloured vinyl and picture discs
Coloured vinyl (splatter, marble, transparent) is mostly about looks and collectability. Modern coloured pressings usually sound very close to black vinyl. Picture discs, with an image printed into the record, tend to be noisier, so treat them as collector's pieces.
Gatefold, remastered, reissue
- Gatefold: a cover that opens like a book, often with extra artwork or lyrics.
- Remastered: the original recordings were re-prepared for this release, ideally from the best available tapes.
- Reissue: a new pressing of an older album. Most of the classics we sell are official reissues from the labels.
- Deluxe / anniversary edition: usually adds bonus tracks, extra discs or a booklet.
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