If you are a die-hard vinyl lover, it’s a no-brainer that you have to own a record player. Vinyl records have made a comeback, and for good reason! They deliver an amazing sound quality that digital media simply cannot match. If you’re new to record players, however, you may need a few pointers on how to play a vinyl record. If that's the case, this piece is for you. Read on to learn how to play a vinyl record in a few easy steps. Use this insight and you’ll feel totally prepared to play your custom vinyl records on any turntable, easy!
This might sound like common sense, but it’s worth mentioning if you are a true beginner to playing vinyl. If you're playing a new record, the cover will be attached to the disc by a thin strip of paper called a "reel." Pull this reel off and set it aside. You can do this by simply removing it from its sleeve or using a butter knife or other sharp object to carefully remove any glue that may be holding it in place.
Then put the record on a flat surface. Don't put it on the edge of the table, and please don't put it on a slanted surface. And don't even think about putting another record on top of yours!
Before you can play a vinyl record, it is important to dust off your turntable. This will ensure that the needle accurately tracks the record's grooves and doesn't get stuck in them.
The best way to clean a turntable is by using a dry microfiber cloth or lint-free rag with no chemicals or fragrances added. Avoid using chemical cleaners like a window cleaner and vinegar-these products will damage your vinyl player.
Scratches or imperfections on the record will cause damage to your needle and potentially ruin your sound quality. Take the following precautions to ensure that your records are free of these problems:
So now that you've got your record and turntable, it's time to enjoy your record. First up: find a good spot for the turntable. Ensure there is enough room to place it without being bumped or moved around too much (if possible). The ideal location would be on top of something sturdy like a sizable table so it has stability when playing records.
There are many ways to play your record. Some people place it on a turntable and let it spin or use a record player with built-in speakers. Either way, there are some simple rules that you should follow when playing vinyl records so that they last longer and sound better. For information on what to expect from your vinyl listening experience, check out our FAQs.
The most important rule, whether you’re listening to a custom vinyl record or a collectible, is to not play your record at too high or too low of a volume level; this will cause damage to both your speakers as well as the grooves in your records' surface. A good rule of thumb is to keep the volume at about 60% maximum capacity-if this is too little for you, then increase it slightly. However, if it's already loud enough, don't push things further!
Ready to listen to some records? Freestyle Vinyl wants to help. Create your own custom records with high-quality technology in an easy-to-use format. Learn more about making your own vinyl when you contact us today.
The latest and greatest in audio technology? Custom vinyl records, brought to you by Freestyle Vinyl. What about CDs and standard pressed vinyl? Read on below...
If you're a record collector, you know the difference between good vinyl and bad vinyl is everything. But what about CDs? Aside from the size and structure, what's the difference between CDs and their vinyl counterparts? Do they really sound any different?
While vinyl records and CDs are similar in that they both contain audio information in digital format, there are significant differences between the two. These differences can completely transform the experience of listening to music, which is why people favor one over the other.
The information below will explore more about vinyl record vs. cd differences so you can decide which one you prefer. Is the authenticity and “warmth” of vinyl really worth it? You’ll see for yourself.
In terms of physical structure, the main difference between vinyl records and CDs lies in their materials. Both formats are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic polymer that's flexible and durable enough to hold your favorite songs on it. However, vinyl records are thicker than CDs (about 1/2" thick compared with 0.1" thick), so they weigh more: about 2 pounds per 12-inch disc versus just 3 ounces for a CD4!
The reason for this is simple – the grooves in a record need space to move back and forth as you play them. Without any extra space around them, it would be impossible for records to spin! For you to hear these grooves moving around under your stylus needle or laser beam reader head, respectively (remember those?), there must be enough room inside each groove.
Additionally, the artwork on vinyl tends to be larger and more colorful. The grooves that carry the music also carry information about how to reproduce the record, so it's possible to have much more detail than on CDs (with only one layer). Keep in mind that if you’re creating your own custom vinyl record, you can also customize the back jacket with your own artwork.
The quality of sound is one of the most significant differences. CDs have a higher bitrate than vinyl records, but this doesn't necessarily mean they'll sound better. A CD's sampling frequency is 44 kHz, while a vinyl record has a lower sampling frequency at 33 1/3 RPM (rotations per minute). The higher sampling rate means that more information about the music can be captured, which gives you more clarity when listening to music through headphones or speakers.
As for the listening experience of vinyl records, this will depend on the method of creation. Lathe-cut records differ from mass-pressed vinyl. Lathe-cut records may have a gentle “hum” between tracks. Additionally, the start and end points of the groove may not line up to pre-set turntable settings. All this means for you is that you’ll either need to manually set the stylus onto the groove to start the record or turn off the settings that automatically lift or stop the tone arm at the end of the record.
The size of a vinyl record is more significant than that of a CD. The diameter of the vinyl record is 12 inches, which means it's about 30% larger than a CD's diameter (about 3.14 inches). This makes sense when you consider how much information needs to be stored on these two types of media: CDs store less than half as much data as vinyl records, but they're also smaller.
Durability is another area where vinyl records and CDs differ. Heat, scratches, and other external forces can damage a vinyl record. The grooves on a record are easily distorted by dust or dirt that gets into them, affecting how well you can hear your music when you play it back. CDs are much more durable than their analog counterparts due to their digital format. They're also less susceptible to damage because they don't have moving parts like turntables do (which means there's nothing for dust or dirt to get stuck in). The good news is that you can preserve the longevity of your vinyl with fewer listens and careful handling.
The dynamic range of a recording is the difference between its loudest and quietest sounds. It's measured in decibels (dB), with a higher number indicating a more dynamic range. A vinyl record has a much greater dynamic range than a CD because it can reproduce low-level details lost when you compress an audio file for digital distribution.
The best way to really tell the difference between a vinyl record vs. a cd is to create your own custom vinyl record with Freestyle Vinyl. Take your old CDs and turn them into memorable timepieces. Learn more about the upload process and get started with vinyl when you reach out to Freestyle Vinyl today!
Vinyl records present a fun and classic way to listen to music and bring a certain energy into your home. Listening to music on vinyl is a pretty different experience from that of CDs and MP3s. From sound quality to the number of songs per side, there are many differences. The size of the vinyl record impacts the number of songs that can be played before the record needs to be turned. This article will explain more about what sizes vinyl records come in and how that impacts the listening experience.
A vinyl record is a plastic disc with grooves in it. The grooves are used to store information in the form of audio signals.
Users need a turntable (i.e., vinyl record player) with an amplifier and speakers connected to it to play back this information. When you place your needle on top of those grooves, it will travel across them as they spin underneath it at high speeds. The needle creates vibrations that are then converted into electrical signals using magnets inside your cartridge or stylus assembly (the part that holds your needle). These electrical signals go through RCA cables before reaching an amplifier, where the volume is raised so they can be heard clearly through speakers near you or directly next to them.
Now that you have a bit of a background about vinyl records as a whole, we can move onto discussing the sizes of vinyl records. Every prospective vinyl record shopper needs to know their records' size. Not all vinyl records are the same size, and if you're looking to buy new albums or want to make sure that they'll fit in your record player, you must know what size they are.
Freestyle Vinyl sells custom 7-inch vinyl records with about 6 minutes of audio per side. These records are the perfect way to commemorate your first dance, a special memory, or “your song.”
Vinyl records are delicate, so it’s important to handle them with care. Follow these tips to protect your collection:
Interested in creating your own custom vinyl records in various sizes? Contact us today at Freestyle Vinyl to get started.
We all have things in our houses that we don't need, but finding the time to sift through it all can be an endeavor in and of itself. Old vinyl records hold a special place in many people’s hearts and histories, but not everyone has a turntable these days. If you’re one of the many looking for a way to repurpose your old vinyl records and make them useful again, you’ve come to the right place. While it’s always best to use vinyl records for listening, there are other ways to enjoy them that are far preferable to letting them collect dust on a shelf.
If you own a few collectible-worthy records and want to sell them, it may be worthwhile to find a record collector who will purchase them from you. These people can often be found with a simple online search for “record collector” along with your city name. Keep in mind that this isn’t the way to go with custom vinyl records, which are not intended for resale and are only for personal use.
Are you a music lover with a passion for listening to vinyl the real, authentic way? If so, you may have a large collection of old vinyl records, some of which could even be duplicates. If you’re looking to pare down your collection and only keep the vinyl records you regularly listen to out and available, it may behoove you to turn your old vinyl records into wall decor. Home decorators and interior designers may be able to help you arrange your collection so that your favorites are prominently displayed on a wall in your home.
If you have several old vinyl records that no longer get played, consider giving them to someone else as a gift. Vinyl, whether old or new, is a fantastic gift for someone who appreciates this quality sound. Chances are, you probably have someone in your life with a turntable who can put your old vinyl records to good use. If you’re really going all out, consider putting together an entire gift set, combining old records with new custom vinyl records you’ve created yourself. This is the perfect way to blend the old with the new and present a truly well-rounded, thoughtful gift.
If you like the look of vinyl records and don't want to get rid of them, but don't have space for them in your home anymore, consider turning them into coasters. This is an easy way to keep them out of the way while still giving yourself something cool-looking to set drinks on. Just be 100% sure you don’t want to listen to the music on them after you do this, because once you put a wet beverage on them, there’s no going back.
When you love vinyl records, you know just how valuable and special they are. Make what was once old new again by transforming your favorite playlists and mixtapes into custom vinyl records with Freestyle Vinyl. Our upload process is easy and straightforward. Have any questions? We’re happy to help. Contact the team at Freestyle Vinyl to get started.
Memorial Day is a time of remembrance for those who have died serving our country. It is also a time for celebration and looking forward to new life, as many couples choose to get married on this long weekend. Choosing the right songs for Memorial Day can set the tone for you and your loved ones. For many couples, the weekend can serve to both honor loved ones and family members who have served and celebrate the start of their new life together.
Here are 9 songs to consider for your big day’s playlist, remembering the true meaning of Memorial Day while also ensuring you have a night to never forget out on the dance floor.
While it's important to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day, it's also a time for celebration and new beginnings. These songs, plus plenty of others that we’re sure you already have in your hearts and minds, will help set the tone for your Memorial Day wedding celebration. So get ready to dance the night away and celebrate your love with family and friends.
And once your celebration is over, why not commemorate your Memorial Day wedding with a custom vinyl record from Freestyle Vinyl? Collect the most memorable tracks and your favorite photos to create a completely unique remembrance that you can enjoy for years to come – timeless, beautiful, and completely ‘you’.
Memorial Day is a day to honor those who have served in the United States military. It is also the unofficial start of summer and a great day for a barbeque, a pool, and a backyard full of loved ones. If you are planning a Memorial Day BBQ, you'll want to make sure you have the perfect playlist to accompany your festivities. Here are some popular songs to include in your Memorial Day BBQ playlist.
Now that you have some ideas for your Memorial Day BBQ playlist, it's time to start putting it together. You can create your playlist digitally on services like Spotify or Apple Music, or you can go old-school (which is now new-school!) and create a custom vinyl mixtape.
If you want to take it to the next level, consider creating a custom vinyl record from Freestyle Vinyl. You can choose the songs you want to include and create a custom jacket with artwork of your choice. Freestyle Vinyl also offers a variety of color options for the vinyl itself, so you can create a truly unique and personalized record for your Memorial Day BBQ and beyond.
A Memorial Day BBQ is a great way to kick off the summer season, and the perfect playlist is essential to set the mood. Whether you’re bumping a classic rock playlist, hip-hop, pop, country, or a mixture of a bunch of different genres, just make sure you include a patriotic tune or two to honor those who have served our country. And if you really want to impress your guests, create a custom vinyl record from Freestyle Vinyl for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and finding the perfect gift for your mom can be a challenge. If you’re looking for a unique and personalized gift that will show your mom just how much you care, consider a personalized Mother’s Day gift. Here are our top 10 picks for personalized gifts that are sure to make your mom feel special:
Our top pick for personalized Mother’s Day gifts is a custom vinyl record from Freestyle Vinyl. This unique gift allows you to create a personalized playlist of your mom’s favorite songs, and have them pressed onto a vinyl record. You can even choose the color of the vinyl and the label design. A personalized vinyl record is a thoughtful and unique gift that your mom is sure to cherish for years to come.
A personalized photo blanket is a cozy and sentimental gift that your mom will love. You can choose a favorite family photo or a series of photos to be printed onto a cozy blanket. Your mom can snuggle up with her favorite memories and feel the warmth of your love every time she uses it.
Customized jewelry is a beautiful and meaningful gift that your mom can wear every day. You can choose a special date, initial, or message to be engraved onto a necklace, bracelet, or ring. This gift is perfect for the mom who loves to accessorize and wants to keep a special memory close to her heart.
If your mom loves to cook or bake, a personalized recipe book is a great gift idea. You can collect all of your family’s favorite recipes and create a beautiful book that your mom can use in the kitchen. You can even include photos and memories to make it extra special.
A personalized photo album is a timeless gift that your mom will treasure for years to come. You can collect all of your family’s favorite photos and create a beautiful album that your mom can flip through whenever she wants to relive special memories.
A customized mug is a practical gift that your mom can use every day. You can choose a favorite photo or message to be printed onto a mug, so your mom can start her day with a smile and a warm cup of coffee or tea.
If your mom loves to decorate her home, personalized wall art is a great gift idea. You can choose a favorite photo or message and have it printed onto canvas or framed art. This gift is perfect for the mom who wants to add a personal touch to her home decor.
A personalized tote bag is a practical and stylish gift that your mom can use for work, shopping, or travel. You can choose a favorite photo or message to be printed onto the bag, so your mom can carry a special memory with her wherever she goes.
If your mom loves her phone, a customized phone case is a great gift idea. You can choose a favorite photo or message to be printed onto the case, so your mom can carry a special memory with her wherever she goes.
A personalized candle is a thoughtful and relaxing gift that your mom can enjoy at home. You can choose a favorite scent and have a message or photo printed onto the label. This gift is perfect for the mom who loves to unwind with a soothing scent.
There are countless personalized gifts that you can give your mom on Mother’s Day to show her how much you care. The important thing is that you DO show her you care! Our top pick, of course, is a custom vinyl record, which is a unique and thoughtful way to create a personalized playlist of your mom’s favorite songs.
Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honor the most important woman in your life – the reason you’re on this earth! It’s the perfect time to show your appreciation and love for everything she has done for you. One of the best ways to make her feel special is to give her a personalized gift that she will cherish forever. Custom mother’s day gifts are an excellent way to show your mom just how much she means to you. Here are our top 5 choices for custom gifts for mothers on Mother’s Day.
A custom photo book is a perfect gift for mothers who love to keep memories. You can create a photo book with all the special moments you’ve shared with your mother over the years. You can add pictures from family vacations, special events, and even everyday moments. You can personalize the book with a special message or a heartfelt note to make it even more special.
If your mother is a music lover, a custom vinyl record from Freestyle Vinyl is a unique and thoughtful gift. You can customize the record with your mother’s favorite songs, or you can create a personalized playlist of songs that have a special meaning to your relationship. The team at Freestyle Vinyl can also work with you to design a beautiful album cover that reflects your mother’s style and personality. A custom vinyl record is a timeless gift that your mother will love and treasure for years to come.
Jewelry is always a great gift idea, but you can make it even more special by customizing it. You can create a necklace, bracelet, or ring with your mother’s initials or birthstone. You can also add a personalized message or engrave a special date or phrase. Customized jewelry is a meaningful gift that your mother will cherish and wear for years.
If your mother is a foodie or loves to cook, a personalized recipe book is a great gift idea. You can collect all your mother’s favorite recipes, along with family recipes that have been passed down for generations. You can also add pictures and stories to make the book even more personal. A personalized recipe book is a great way to show your mother how much you appreciate all the delicious meals she has cooked for you over the years.
Home decor is always a great gift idea, and you can make it even more special by customizing it. You can create a personalized photo frame with a picture of you and your mother, or you can customize a throw pillow with a special message. You can also create a customized doormat or wall art with a special quote or phrase that holds a special meaning to your mother.
Mother’s Day custom gifts are the perfect way to show your mother how much you love and appreciate her. A gift giver can never go wrong with customized pieces that touch on special memories and gratitude for your mother’s influence on your life. Let her know just how special she is to you this Mother’s Day!
Welcome to Freestyle Vinyl, where you can create your own vinyl record for a unique twist on your summer playlist!
Summer is the season of fun, and what better way to set the mood for a summertime party than with some great music? Whether you’re lounging poolside or throwing a backyard barbecue, the right tunes can make all the difference. We here at Freestyle Vinyl believe in only the best music for the best people and the best parties… brought to you digitally but also, for the truly “in the know”, via analog vinyl record.
In this article, we’ll check out a list of the best summer albums to play at your next party. We all know these lists are subjective, so don’t get mad at us if your favorite isn’t on here!
Spotify and other streaming services can make plugging in an album or a mix from your phone as easy as pie. But we prefer the old school way – hunt out your favorite albums on vinyl, have some friends help pick out the music of the day, and enjoy the crackle and pop of vinyl as you relax poolside or dance the night away this summer.
The best summer albums are those that capture the carefree spirit of the season. From classic hits to modern classics, there’s a summer album out there for everyone. If you really want to take your summer playlist to the next level, consider creating a custom vinyl record from Freestyle Vinyl. With a custom vinyl record, you can create a truly unique and personalized playlist that’s perfect for your summer party.
Father's Day is the perfect occasion to show appreciation to the most important man in your life. However, finding the right gift can be a daunting task. Whether you're shopping for your dad, husband, or grandfather, here are eight gift ideas that will make him feel special on Father's Day.
Father's Day is the perfect time to show your dad how much you appreciate him. Whether you choose a personalized gift or a unique item like a custom vinyl record from Freestyle Vinyl, these gift ideas are sure to make your dad feel loved and appreciated. Remember, the most important thing is to show your dad how much he means to you, no matter what gift you choose.
The best album for your outdoor party is your very own personalized vinyl record from Freestyle Vinyl, with your favorite tunes spun on the old school classic vinyl. Read on below for more summer playlist advice...
Summer is here, and it’s time to enjoy the sun, the beach, and everything else that comes with our favorite season. One of the best ways to set the mood for summer is by setting up and listening to a summer-themed playlist. With Spotify, Apple Music or other streaming services, there are a variety of summer playlist names to choose from, each with its own unique vibe. In this article, we’ll discuss the fun of a summer-themed playlist and list three popular playlist options to get you started. We’ll also provide some summer playlist name ideas for those looking to create their own playlist. Lastly, we’ll introduce the idea of a custom vinyl record from Freestyle Vinyl and how it can make your summer playlist even more special.
Spotify has a wealth of summer playlist names to choose from, ranging from the classic hits to the latest tracks. Here are three popular summer playlists that you can currently find on Spotify:
For those who want to create their own summer playlist, let’s brainstorm a few summer playlist name ideas, shall we? Here are a few off the top of our heads:
When creating your summer playlist, consider the vibe you’re going for. Do you want upbeat and danceable tracks, or something more relaxed and mellow? You can also consider incorporating tracks from different genres to mix things up. Don’t be afraid to add some old classics to your playlist, as well as new and upcoming artists.
While digital music sources like Spotify have made creating summer playlists more accessible, there is still something special about a physical vinyl record… which can now be turned into your very own vinyl mixtape. This is where Freestyle Vinyl comes in. Freestyle Vinyl allows you to create your own custom vinyl record, complete with custom artwork and personalized messages. With a custom vinyl record, you can create a unique and personalized summer playlist that you can physically hold and play on your turntable.
A custom vinyl record also offers tangible benefits that a digital playlist can’t match. You can choose from a variety of vinyl colors, and can also enjoy large-format artwork to make the experience of playing and enjoying your record even more special. We always prefer the tactile, physical experience of enjoying music on vinyl – all summer long!
Father's Day is a special occasion to celebrate and honor the father figures in our lives. But let’s not celebrate with ties and shaving kits again this year, shall we? Let’s get personal, custom, and fun! Personalized gifts are a great way to show your love and appreciation for the special man in your life. Here's a top 10 list of personalized Father's Day gifts that are sure to bring a smile to his face.
Personalized Father's Day gifts are a great way to show your love and appreciation for the special man in your life. From custom vinyl records to personalized wallets, there are plenty of unique and thoughtful gifts to choose from. Make this Father's Day extra special with a personalized Father's Day gift that he will treasure for years to come.
