The Forty-Five Set vs The LP Set

Playing a DJ set using 45 rpm vinyl records, compared to playing 12 inch vinyl records, requires a completely different set of skills.  DJs that only play current music don’t have to face the issue with not knowing how to skillfully DJ using vinyl 45s. When hiring a DJ, the versatile disc jockeys will point out the fact that they can also host sets that feature 45 rpm records. Most 45 recordings being spun today were probably pressed prior to 1990. 

The physical differences between 7 inch and 12 inch vinyl records are obvious.  A 45 rpm vinyl record is smaller, with a 7 inch diameter.  A vinyl 12 inch diameter record can be different for a number of reasons.  With a 12 inch record, it often contains the instrumental version of the recording on its B-side.  On the other hand, the 12 inch LP may contain a whole album of different songs, one extended single on each side, or different variations of the same song.  The music contained on a 45 vinyl recording is limited by its 7 inch in diameter size. The instrumental version of the song may be on the B-side of a forty-five rpm vinyl recording. The B-side of a 45 vinyl recording may contain a completely different record.  Playing different-sized vinyl records requires different skills.  Handling smaller vinyl recordings is going to require more attention to timing.

Major decision makers in the recorded-music industry pay attention to technology.  Finding the balance between upgrading technology and satisfying consumer interests are two very important aims. Technology that improves sound quality is a never ending quest. In an April 16th, 2016 Fortune magazine article titled, Vinyl Record Sales Are At A 28-Year High, Chris Morris writes (speaking about 2015) how, “Fueled by that unique sound quality and a nostalgia wave, sales of vinyl records were up 32% to $416 million, their highest level since 1988, according to the RIAA. (CD sales, while much higher in total income, were down 17%.)”  The demand for vinyl records dictates that the supply would increase to meet new consumer needs. 

While many might call the renewed popularity of vinyl music recordings nostalgic, the phenomenon can be explained  in many different ways. Part vintage, part current trend, the multi-faceted nature of vinyl music recordings speaks to different people for different reasons.  Some say that vinyl’s popularity is based on its uniqueness. Natalia Wojcik published a story on April 15th, 2017 for CNBC titled, Vinyl Is Vintage And The Future, As New Generation Warms To An Old Music Form.  In that article, Wojcik stressed how, “Despite the recent surge, vinyl sales make up a small portion of music sales as a whole—just 11 percent of physical album sales according to Nielsen. Yet data shows growth in LP sales has outstripped digital downloads, and vinyl is drawing in a new generation of music aficionados.”  Although the numbers are relatively small, vinyl sales are projected to increase even more.

When comparing 45 DJ sessions to LP and/ or 12 inch vinyl record DJ sessions, there are clear differences.  Digital technology can actually coexist with vinyl, and that is being demonstrated also.     David Sax wrote an Op Ed piece for the January 3rd, 2017 edition of the L.A. Times titled, Why is Vinyl Making a Comeback? ‘Nostalgia’ Doesn’t Quite Cut It.  Many say that nostalgia is the reason why we seek artifact-like items from the past.  Sax addresses some questions by asking, “How can a 15-year-old be nostalgic for a turntable, when her parents never owned one in the first place? How can you accuse a 25-year-old computer programmer of being lost in the past, simply because he collects hip-hop 45s in his spare time?”  He went on to explain  how technology does not have to constantly move forward, as we continue to experiment, renew, and reject certain ideas throughout time.  Please be prepared, and  be aware of the difference between 45 (7 inch) DJ sets and LP (12 inch) DJ sets.