What Are the Dimensions of a Vinyl Record Cover?
You may be wondering what the dimensions of a vinyl record cover are. In this article, we'll look at the different sizes of record covers, including 78-rpm shellac records and 45-rpm vinyl records. In addition, we'll discuss Gate-fold vinyl record covers and how to determine the image size on these covers.
78-rpm shellac records
A 78-rpm shellac record has dimensions of 77mm x 80mm x 15mm. This is a common size for these records. They are made from shellac, a natural resin produced from female lac bugs. Shellac is scratch-resistant and water-repellent, but it is also heavier and stiffer than vinyl or lacquer records.
Shellac records were the dominant record format from 1898 until the 1950s. The discs were manufactured at different speeds, but most were 70 to 80 RPM. Most 78s were composed of a thin sheet of cotton or mineral fibers that were held together with shellac resin. This type of record has a poorer durability than vinyl, and those that survive tend to be rare.
78-rpm shellac record covers are largely the same as the ones for 45-rpm shellac records, but they may look different in appearance. The shellac is usually the same as that used on furniture. Its consistency is similar to that of a china plate.
45-rpm vinyl records
In the past, listening to vinyl records was the best way to enjoy music. Some music lovers claim that vinyl records have better sound quality, particularly when music is recorded specifically for records. Vinyl records come in a variety of sizes and have a groove pattern on one side of the disc. When the record player spins the record, the needle moves over the groove pattern, creating vibrations. These vibrations are then converted into sound by the record player, which creates the music.
The outer sleeve of a 45-rpm vinyl record is typically half an inch thick. The inner sleeve is made of paper or cardboard, and is generally thinner than the outer cover. The inner sleeve often has a round cutout in the center to show the record label. A 45-rpm vinyl record is typically around 12 inches in diameter, and is just over 7 inches in height. It typically contains one song on each side.
Gate-fold vinyl record covers
Gate-fold vinyl record covers are a style of record cover that enables the vinyl sleeve to be removed from the record itself without removing the vinyl itself. The gate-fold design provides a convenient and aesthetically pleasing way to present your vinyl records. The resulting gate-fold vinyl record cover is highly customizable and offers a wide variety of options for displaying your music.
During the 1980s, the band Iron Maiden spearheaded the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and used gatefold LP sleeves to promote their music. The band's guitarist, Steve Harris, was a fan of progressive rock and wanted a gatefold sleeve for their classic 'Live After Death' album. Derek Riggs was hired to create the cover art for the album.
Size of the image on a vinyl record cover
The size of the image on a vinyl record cover is an important part of the design. It should be large enough to show the entire album's artwork, yet small enough to not overwhelm the listener. Generally, an album cover image should be at least 1600 pixels by 1600 pixels, but it's even better if the image is as large as 3000 pixels by 3000 pixels. This size is suitable for a 10" record, and it's also a good industry standard.
There are a lot of factors to consider when designing a vinyl record cover. You can get inspiration from other record covers and blend your own ideas with theirs. Just remember to avoid spending more than the cost of the vinyl pressing process for print work. If you don't have time for professional work, you can also use photos for artwork. Remember, you can't be too cheap, but you shouldn't skimp on the quality of your design.
Choosing the right paper for a vinyl record cover
Choosing the right paper for your vinyl record cover can make a big difference in the final look of your record. Traditionally, record covers have featured images borrowed from the public domain or licensed from artists. Today, you can find a variety of different paper weights and types, depending on the overall design of your vinyl cover.
The most common paper used for vinyl record covers is 3 mil. This thickness is the gold standard, as it can accommodate most single and double LPs. It also protects the LP from dust and keeps the record from wrinkling when it's opened or removed. Other materials used for vinyl record covers include 2.5-mil poly and 4-mil mylar.
