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Welcome to Freestyle Vinyl! We handcraft custom, personalized vinyl records for our amazing customers. Continue reading below for some advice on the various types of vinyl records in the marketplace...
Have you recently inherited a record collection? Or maybe, like many others, you're discovering (or rediscovering) vinyl records for their vintage charm and distinctive sound. As there are many different kinds of vinyl records and some of the terminology can be pretty confusing, we're here to help. These are the five main types of vinyl records that you may find today.
When LP albums were introduced in 1948, they significantly outperformed the then-current shellac 78 records, which were incredibly fragile and only allowed for less than five minutes of playing per side.
PVC (vinyl) was used to create the new LP discs, which were rotated at 33 rpm using a smaller-tipped microgroove stylus. A 12-inch record typically holds up to 26 minutes of music.
Due to the longer playback duration, classical music was initially a popular genre for the LP. In the 1960s, pop and rock groups finally embraced the format as musicians used the extended playing time to produce a more complete body of work.
The most popular style of vinyl single is the 7 Inch (or "45").
Due to its relatively lower cost when compared to pricey 12-inch LPs during their heyday in the 50s and 60s, 7-inch records played a significant role in the early years of rock and roll culture.
The RCA Victor company first offered the 7-inch 45 RPM record in 1949 as a more robust and high-quality alternative to the 78 RPM shellac disc.
The 12-inch single model initially appeared in the 1970s, at the height of the disco movement.
They are typically cut at 45 RPM, have wider groove spacing, and have shorter playing times than LPs, which, among other benefits, enables a greater dynamic range or louder recording level.
DJs frequently utilize 12-inch vinyl to play dance music in clubs. By the 80s, record companies frequently released 12-inch singles with extended or dance remixes of pop songs.
Many of the earliest long-playing microgroove records were 10-inches. Moreover, in many instances, albums were created by grouping together several 10-inch LPs to form a multi-disc album release.
It was once believed that while pop music listeners would be able to tolerate the shorter run time of 10-inch LPs, classical music listeners would require the longer playback time of a 12-inch LP. They were mistaken, and the 12-inch LP ultimately became the music industry's go-to.
Those eye-catching image discs hanging on the walls of record stores are something we have all seen.
Contrary to popular belief, picture disc recordings have a much older history. The "His Master's Voice" dog-and-gramophone trademark was delicately scratched into the playback surface of select seven-inch shellac recordings by the Canadian Berliner Gramophone Company in 1900, as a countermeasure against piracy.
However, when we think of picture discs today, we think of collector’s items that come with full-color graphics over the surface of the playback.
Are you looking to expand your record collection? Why not make your very own vinyl “mixtape”, by customizing a record with all your favorite songs? We carry 12-inch LPs, 7-inch singles, and even 10-inch picture discs!
Many people are intrigued by the return of the vinyl record and are asking what all the fuss is about. And if you're like most people that grew up in the 2000s, your vinyl experience starts and ends with the dusty collection of 1970s hits that your parents keep in storage. But that is rapidly changing, as vinyl is now once again the largest physical media seller in the world, with millennials and Gen Zs as the biggest markets.
Vinyl records are cool, fun, and can provide you the best music-listening experience of your life. If you're keen on building the best vinyl records collection you can, look no further. The following tips will help you get ready for the real world of music.
Without a speaker of some kind, you can't listen to music, right? The same holds true for vinyl. It's time for you to get a turntable before you start collecting records. No matter your budget, there is an option… from $50 to $5,000! And these are no longer antiques, as companies have responded to the demands of audiophiles and amateurs alike in developing high-end, reasonably priced equipment.
Head to your local record store to test a few models out in person! We are always fans of Audio Technica here at Freestyle Vinyl.
Look, it makes perfect sense to search for "vinyl for sale" on Google and begin your internet research. But the appeal of vinyl lies in the material itself, including its feel, the cover art, the scent. You need to touch it and experience it in order to appreciate it, and that includes the purchase process!
If you want the whole experience, locate a record shop in your area and explore the aisles. Set a budget for yourself and explore the various ways you can maximize your listening experience (dollar bin finds abound if you’re ok with some imperfections, but also maybe you really need a pristine $30 copy of your favorite album… both are great!)
This is an exciting part of the journey. Consider your top ten albums, whichever genre they may be, and jot down the music that touches your heart and soul. Next, try to locate those records! Whether online or in a record shop, go digging for your favorites!
If you want to go even further, you can consolidate some of your all-time favorite tracks, and build your very own album on a custom vinyl record! Create your very own, personal listening experience… one aspect of music on vinyl that your parents weren’t able to create back in vinyl’s heyday.
You can even customize your own record jacket to go with it, to really complete the vinyl experience. How special is that?
These items frequently accumulate a fair amount of dust and dirt, which may alter their performance and how they play. Hence, your vinyl records need to have their grooves cleaned sometimes. Some microfiber cleaning cloths and vinyl cleaners are reasonably priced. Normally, all that is required is to softly run a cloth down the grooves after you've sprayed on some cleaner.
Often, you'll find a piece of furniture that is perfect to keep all your gorgeous records underneath it, and is designed specifically for the turntable. Create a space in your house for your turntable and records if that's the case. Lastly, never stack your records or lay them on top of one another as this could misalign and damage the discs.
There is no right or wrong approach to begin a record collection. We simply encourage you to enjoy the process while searching for your favorite records online or in your neighborhood record shop!
Even though everyone appreciates music, for some people it's more than just a passive interest. We’re talking about the people that adore music, derive joy from it, are inspired by what they are listening to — or even making themselves. If this describes someone in your life, we've found the 7 best gifts for music lovers, from customizable vinyl records to music accessories that celebrate their favorite hobby.
These presents are likely to hit all the right notes for any recipient, regardless of their musical background or preferred genre.
Listening to music is an immersive experience for many. Hearing unwanted traffic sounds or a crying kid can surely spoil the experience for music lovers. This is why getting noise cancelling headphones is always a good idea. These days, many of them come with a transparency mode so that listeners don’t have to take off their headphones when someone is talking to them as well!
Do you know someone who’s an aspiring songwriter? Getting them a songwriting journal where they can scribble down their song ideas is the way to go. This cleverly designed journal is a very thoughtful gift if they enjoy music and write songs. They can keep all of their lyrics and melodies in one location because each songwriting journal has separate lined pages for them to pen down both.
For fans of karaoke nights, this gift is perfect for lazy nights in. When you want to sing to your heart’s content without leaving the comfort of your home, a portable karaoke microphone is the way to go.
Get yourself or a friend a Bluetooth mic that comes with different sound effect options and even an option to record your singing!
It doesn’t get more personal than this. There’s no better way to show your appreciation for that special someone or a friend than a customized vinyl record filled with songs that remind you of them or that you know for sure they will enjoy. Think: a modernized mixed tape.
Create a 12” vinyl record that can accommodate up to 22 minutes of those jams on each side!
If you’ve got a musically inclined friend who’s up for the challenge of learning something new, consider getting them a new instrument. The otamatone has been all over TikTok as of late due to its uniqueness. This quirky electronic instrument is a great way for any music lover to experience a new way to cover their favorite songs!
If you’re on a budget, this gift is the perfect DIY to show some love to your musical friends. Create a Spotify playlist for them with songs that either remind you of their personality, or relate to an inside joke between the two of you. It’s a great way to bond over some memories and create new ones as you jam out to these songs together at the next gathering!
Welcome to Freestyle Vinyl! We create custom vinyl records, making audio + visual dreams come true for 35,000 (and counting) amazing customers. Check us out, and continue to read below for some advice on the best wedding gifts for music lovers...
Let's face it: buying gifts for other people is difficult and can definitely be stressful. Of course, the newlywed couple will typically provide you with some suggestions when it comes to a wedding gift, as they’ll likely make a wedding registry. It can be quite helpful to have a list of options to choose from in a registry, but many of the items on the list might be uninteresting or unimpressive. Let's be honest, giving someone a set of wine glasses isn't exactly exciting. Instead (or in addition), why not get the couple a wedding gift they'll genuinely like by shopping for something that suits their unique interests or hobbies? And if they are passionate about music, there are some fantastic options available. So, we came up with a list of seven wedding gifts for music lovers that they would absolutely enjoy.
Getting their first dance lyrics printed on a canvas is a gift they'll treasure forever. What a brilliant and original idea! To connect with your significant other, you can also give them this sentimental memento. Whether it's the soundtrack of their first kiss or the first dance at their wedding, you can create a custom wall piece using any treasured song.
As the couple moves into their new home together, cozy nights in and house gatherings will be that much better with great music. Though it could double up as a housewarming gift, getting them a high quality Bluetooth speaker is a great option for a wedding gift as well!
Is the couple you’re shopping for music connoisseurs? Or maybe they’re old souls? Either way, a turntable is the ultimate stylish and retro gift to get, and nothing beats the quality of music on vinyl records.
Speaking of records, a couple will be thrilled to receive a custom record of either their wedding song on a 7” vinyl, or a compilation of a few tracks that celebrate their love on a 12” vinyl.
Looking for even more personalization for the happy couple? Create a custom picture disc with a photo (from their engagement, perhaps?) right on the vinyl itself!
It’s one of the most thoughtful wedding gifts you can make!
For all the board game and music enthusiasts in the world, this might be the ideal wedding present. The board game Spontuneous, requires players to sing or shout out songs, allowing them to evaluate their own and their friends' musical expertise. The objective of this lively family game is to sing at least five words from any song based on the other player's trigger word. It's a memorable and interactive wedding gift that can be used often.
Last but not least, you can get them a custom glass art decor piece. It's essentially a work of art made of scannable glass that links to your favorite Spotify track. It also functions as a nightlight, and you can often include a picture of the happy couple on it as well for a final, personal touch. We adore this idea!
These awesome wedding gifts will help them grow their interest in music together!
Are you looking for the best gifts for country music lovers? Perhaps a close friend or relative of yours who enjoys country music has a birthday coming up. Or maybe they will soon be graduating or celebrating another significant life event.
Even if you're looking for a "just because" gift, let’s talk about some presents that are perfectly suited to your loved one’s musical love: country music.
We've compiled a list of the 5 best gifts for country music lovers in your life, fitting for any age.
If you want to play the Ticketmaster game, there are several big artists touring the nation every summer.
The best value, however, may be found in festival tickets. For 2-4 days straight, hundreds of musicians perform complete sets nonstop, with the biggest acts capping off each day.
Smaller shows and events can also be a fantastic opportunity to save money and support performers who are just getting into the music industry. Have a look at what country music acts are playing in your town!
A classic option. Even if your gift recipient doesn’t spend time out on the ranch, cowboy boots are a staple for any music festival, so if they’re a fan of those, this could be a good complimentary gift! Besides, some sturdy cowboy boots last for years, making this a truly memorable and practical gift.
This is the ultimate gift for the country music lover in your life. It resembles the mixtapes we used to make for our friends, family, and loved ones back in the day. Fill up a 12” custom vinyl record with songs that remind you of that country music lover, or a list of tracks that you just know they will love! This personalized gift is both thoughtful and a very fitting piece to add to their beloved collection.
Pro tip: If you have access to their Spotify playlists, you can pick out a few of their favorite country music hits and compile them onto one vinyl. It doesn’t get any more thoughtful than that.
If you’re on a budget, putting one or two songs on a 7" vinyl record is the way to go!
Beer or whiskey go best with country music, hands down! It's simple to gift this meaningful present by slipping a six-pack of craft beer or a bottle of the newest local whiskey release into a stocking. Who knows? This might just become their go-to beverage in the future!
You may not know this already, but selling merch is a primary source of income for many artists. Giving merch, which also supports country music artists, is the best way to express the sentiment, "I support your taste in music.”
The online store for the artist should be your first stop when looking for merch. This is typically accessible directly from their websites. If an artist doesn't have merchandise on their website, look for links to buy it on their social media pages.
We hope you got some useful ideas to get the best present for that country music lover in your life!
Many barriers to entry for music producers have disappeared, and independent musicians can now easily release songs digitally on services like Spotify and Soundcloud. Why then does the vinyl market not only survive but continue to expand? The three main factors are collectability, aesthetics, and sound quality. Vinyl records have a certain amount of legitimacy for many musicians and DJs.
But there's an issue. Even though more pressing facilities are opening up, the market cannot meet demand both from major and independent labels. There’s still supply shortages and long wait times, which can take up to 12 months.
This is where lathe cutting comes in. In this article, we'll go through what to expect when you get short run vinyl records using this method.
Businesses that offer lathe cutting have re-emerged recently. The lathe cutting machine cuts the music in real time into the record as opposed to pressing the grooves. These services are frequently small-scale, with just one or two engineers running the entire operation. Unlike with conventional pressing method, lathe cutting can produce only under 100 copies.
You can create as few as one record using lathe cutting, which is advantageous for vinyl-only DJs who wish to play their own music but cannot wait for a pressing plant. A custom-made vinyl made this way can even serve as a gift or competition prize.
There’s no minimum order requirement for short run lathe cut vinyl records so the turnaround time is faster. This service is also frequently utilized to make limited-edition vinyl records for artists, competition prizes, and even personalized gifts.
Pricing is set according to the number of vinyl records that have to be made. Pressing 20 records will be substantially less expensive than pressing only one. It will also depend on the size of the record or the number of songs that you must fit in. Customers will need to choose between 7”, 10”, and 12” records. The cost increases as you add custom jackets, labels, and more. The good thing about lathe cutting technique is that it does not require lacquer, which eliminates another major cost as compared to the standard procedure.
Our 7" Single Custom Vinyl is our most affordable option, at just $29.99!
The equipment utilized can have a big impact on the sound quality. The majority of services are transparent about the kind of audio quality you can expect, with a surcharge for Hi-Fi audio. While some businesses may aim to provide audiophile-grade quality, others may just be providing a novelty item. It's wise to do some research and strike up a chat with anyone you're considering working with before purchasing.
You can always expect a high-quality (and certainly 100% unique-to-you) vinyl listening experience with Freestyle Vinyl's custom pieces!
Wav, MP3, and MP4 files can all be used. Sadly, we are unable to accommodate large-format file types, such as FLAC.
In terms of media quality, we advise that any file uploaded be at least 200 kbps. If it goes beyond 300 kbps, that can really ensure a high-quality sounding vinyl. The higher, the better!
To finish off your short run vinyl experience, consider getting a custom jacket with your artwork or a memorable photo to add that final and personal finishing touch!
Recently, vinyl has experienced a major revival. Due to this spike in popularity, physical record stores, online music stores, and online auctions alike have been popping up. In fact, custom vinyl records have become a popular gift option for music lovers.
However, vinyl record plants and mastering facilities cannot seem to keep up with the increasing demand. There seem to be not enough stores that sell or make custom vinyl records across the globe.
For this reason, some people resort to shopping online from overseas stores. But the problem is that shipping times can take long and fees can be expensive. Also, what if they get damaged in transit? In case you are worried vinyl record shipping and online shopping for that matter, here’s what you need to know.
The first to do when shopping for vinyl records is to find a reputable vendor. You want to be sure that it is a vendor that has made and delivered thousands of vinyl records for various customers, like Freestyle Vinyl. We have been in operation since 2017, producing high-quality custom vinyl albums to offer an immersive listening experience.
If you are interested in creating a mixtape filled with tracks your friend or loved one likes, you should consider our custom-made vinyl. We will ensure that your thoughtful gift will arrive at its destination safely and unscathed. We use secure packaging to maintain the integrity of the vinyl record in transit. This way, the recipient will be able to enjoy listening to the record and appreciate your gift.
Another thing to do before buying custom vinyl records online is to review shipping policies. See if the vendor can ship to your country and know what courier they use. Expect to pay extra shipping fees when shopping for vinyl records overseas or from another state. The rate usually depends on the address where the item will be shipped. Do note that your country may have customs fees for merchandise coming from another country. You may have to pay for it before you receive the item.
How long it will take before you receive your custom vinyl record will depend on your location. If the record has to be shipped overseas, then it will take a few weeks. At Freestyle Vinyl, the turnaround time for every record is between one to two weeks even though we hand-cut and hand-made everything. The moment you have uploaded and finalized your tracks, we will start producing your record. Rush orders will be shipped within two to five business days.
Vinyl records aren't new. But they have indeed made a huge comeback, capturing the interests of different generations of music lovers. The rebirth of vinyl records started in the mid-2000s and the surge in sales happened in 2020. In the U.S. alone, 43.5 million records were reportedly sold in 2022. This number would have been much higher if manufacturers were able to keep up with demand.
One reason why the production of vinyl records is slow is that manufacturers stick to traditional record pressing, which can be tedious and requires highly skilled technicians.
If you are someone who likes buying vinyl records as a hobby and not a recording artist, the long wait times can be disappointing. Good thing, there's a quicker method of putting music on vinyl, which is lathe cutting. Read on to understand how to cut a vinyl record through this method and why it can be the best option for you.
Lathe-cut vinyl records are made and cut by hand. In this method, each piece of clear plastic must be cut separately. A special lathe is used to cut the record, which has a diamond needle that follows the grooves of the record and cuts a groove in the plastic. The needle is very precise and can create a record with clarity and high sound quality.
Short-run lathe-cut records under 100 pieces can be successfully produced at a faster rate. This method is preferred by musicians and artists when releasing limited-edition albums. It is also offered by shops that cater to individual buyers who are interested in ordering single vinyl records.
Lathe-cutting made vinyl records more accessible to people, especially those who are just starting to explore the world of vinyl albums. Lathe-cut vinyl records offer a more affordable alternative to traditional vinyl records, meaning that it's easier for anyone to get into the vinyl scene without having to make a huge investment. Additionally, it has opened up the market to many independent record labels and artists who may not have had the ability to produce vinyl records otherwise. Here are more reasons to love lathe-cut vinyl records.
Lathe-cut records, like pressed records, can also provide an immersive listening experience. This is because lathe-cut records are cut one at a time, so each groove is cut deeper, which allows for a more accurate reproduction of sound. The grooves are also cut in a straight line, rather than in a spiral, which means that the needle can stay in contact with the groove longer, resulting in excellent sound quality.
Here at Freestyle Vinyl, we help our customers create custom vinyl records! With no minimum (order just one!) and the ability to customize your record with personalized artwork, unique vinyl colors, etc., a Freestyle Vinyl is the perfect gift to celebrate the music lover in your life.
Ever used your turntable and pondered how much it would cost to make a vinyl record? Sales of vinyl records have been steadily increasing, with a notable 30% increase from 2019 to 2020. In a world where music has moved heavily toward digital distribution, vinyl is still thriving. But how much do vinyl records actually cost to produce?
The answer depends on different factors. Here's everything you need to know about what goes into the cost of one!
Pressing vinyl is significantly more expensive than creating custom vinyl records. That’s because a typical pressing requires a minimum order of 100 records. This run of 100 vinyl albums may cost anywhere between $1,200 and $3,500, depending on the current industry backlog, and options you’ve chosen, such as the vinyl record size, weight, length of the audio, color, design, the company you work with, and the packaging. A lot of musicians and indie artists choose this option when they want to release their music on vinyl.
Whereas, custom vinyl starts at $29.99 at Freestyle Vinyl. It’s a great option for music lovers and vinyl collectors. If you don’t have your own music to release and just want to create a mixtape for yourself or someone else, opt for custom vinyl records.
Making a press of 100 and more vinyl albums can take around six months. Meanwhile, a single copy of a custom vinyl album will be available after three weeks.
As mentioned, the price of a custom vinyl record depends on the size of the album. Options include 7”, 10”, and 12”. The more songs you want in it, the bigger the vinyl must be, naturally, the more expensive it becomes. Our 7" single custom vinyl costs $39.99, including side B. It can feature two of your chosen songs. Our 10” picture discs can run 12 minutes of audio while our 12” records can run 22 minutes of music per side.
These days, vinyl record shops are adding more excitement to the look of their albums. Aside from black, their albums also come in different colors to choose from. This allows people to get more creative in making their custom vinyl records. Does color make a difference? In terms of audio quality, it doesn’t. But colored vinyl albums cost more than the black ones.
Records are protected by inner sleeves and record jackets, which typically cost between $0.05 and $0.20 per record.
The record won't move around with the right sleeve and jacket combination. This keeps your music disc in good condition and ensures that it will survive for many years. Again, a custom design jacket will cost more, but give your vinyl that personal touch it needs to make it uniquely yours.
Apart from this, other costs may include test pressing and vinyl mastering. At Freestyle Vinyl, we handle all these steps for you in our Chicago workshop. To date, we’ve hand-cut and hand-crafted over 30,000 custom vinyl records—and counting—for our wonderful customers!
