longplaying

Longplaying, or long-playing record, is a phonograph record format designed for extended playback. It uses a 12-inch disc and a rotational speed of 33 1/3 rpm, with a tightly spaced microgroove that allows more grooves per side than the earlier 78 rpm records. Long-playing records were introduced by Columbia Records in 1948 to replace the shellac 78s, and the format soon became standard for albums.

A typical LP side can hold about 20 to 25 minutes of music, depending on the groove spacing and recording level. The microgroove technology enabled this longer playing time without sacrificing much fidelity. The initial LPs concentrated on classical repertoire, but the format quickly expanded to jazz, pop, and rock. The success of the LP helped establish the album as a unified artistic work rather than a simple collection of singles, contributing to the rise of concept albums.

Stereo compatibility was introduced in the late 1950s, and by the early 1960s stereo LPs became common. The LP era coexisted with other formats, including 7-inch singles and later the compact disc. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, physical LPs faced competition from digital formats but have experienced renewed popularity among collectors and audiophiles.