78 RPM Records: The Shellac Sound of the 20th Century | Vibepedia

78 rpm records, the dominant audio format from the late 1890s to the late 1950s, represent a pivotal era in recorded sound. These brittle shellac discs spun at a constant 78 revolutions per minute, delivering music and spoken word to millions before the advent of LPs and 45s. Understanding 78s involves appreciating their unique sonic characteristics, the evolution of playback technology, and the ongoing efforts of collectors and archivists to preserve this vital sonic heritage. Their influence is still felt in sampling, retro aesthetics, and the very concept of mass-produced music.