Grammofonskivor

Grammofonskivor are analog sound storage discs used to reproduce music and other audio. They are flat, circular records with a spiral groove on one side; a stylus or needle on a turntable reads the groove and converts its modulations into sound. Early discs were typically driven at 78 revolutions per minute and made from shellac; later developments introduced vinyl and new playing speeds, expanding capacity and durability. The term grammofon is often used in Scandinavian languages to refer to the gramophone or its records.

Historically, the technology grew from the phonograph cylinders developed in the late 19th century to the gramophone discs engineered by Emil Berliner in the early 1900s. Shellac 10- and 12-inch records dominated the early era, while vinyl records gradually supplanted shellac from the mid-20th century due to better durability and sound quality. New playing formats emerged to increase capacity: the long-playing LP (33 1/3 rpm) and the smaller 7-inch single (45 rpm). These formats commonly used microgrooves that allowed longer recordings on each side. Stereo sound was introduced in the 1950s, enhancing the listening experience.

Grammofonskivor have played a central role in the distribution and consumption of recorded music, shaping genres, marketing, and playback technology. They require proper storage and handling to prevent warping and surface wear, and playback quality can be affected by groove wear, dust, and scratches. Although digital formats largely supplanted physical discs in many markets, grammofonskivor remain important for collectors, archives, and enthusiasts, who value their historical significance and tangible listening experience.