Over the last 150 years, the way that we have listened to music has been completely revolutionized. From the radio to the smartphone, the accessibility and presence of sound have grown astronomically. When, we look back on this span of time, there is one piece of technology that stands out, acting as a bridge between an old and new wave of innovation: the LP Record Player. Sandwiched between the invention of the phonograph and the CD, this innovation made the listening of music into an experience rather than something to fill empty space during dinner time or afternoon tea.
Though the idea was originally suggested and developed by Blumlein at start of the 1930s, it was Peter Goldmark, an employee of CBS, who was able to introduce the piece to the world in 1947. Named the LP Record Player, the system was designed as an advanced version of what had been previously known as the phonograph. The major difference could be found in just how long the music itself could play. Using the typical phonograph, music could only last about the time of a normal song, three to three and a half minutes at best. Goldmark found that by changing the way in which the vinyl was made and cut, he could increase this play time. In its prime, an LP could play for about 25 minutes, which is an average of five to seven songs. For the first time, listeners could truly sit back and enjoy the entertainment of their favorite musicians without the worry of having constantly move up and down trying to keep the sound running and maintained. It took about a decade for the new tech to really take off, ushering in what is known as its "Golden Age" from 1960-1985. The production of music was at an all-time high during this span of time, reflecting the accessibility and ease that the LP gave artists seeking who were seeking to make a name for themselves within the industry.
The science behind the LP Record Player is important to recognize, as it is what truly caused this evolution of the phonograph. Goldmark found that through the use of microgroove geometry, the plastic of the vinyl could be pressed in a such a way that when played at a slower speed, the duration of the sound would increase. This also promoted a change in the style and look of the technology. As pictured below, the predecessor of the LP Record Player, the phonograph, was characterized by its large horn that was used to project and create a more enveloping sound of the music. With the LP's new style, the horn was not needed, as vibrations and electric signals were enough to create a loud enough noise that a room could be filled with whatever record was being played.
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