| The gramophone is an instrument for the recording and reproduction of speech or singing from a gramophone recorder.
Gramophone – this is a modification invented in 1877 by Edison Phonograph, first made by E. Berliner also in the year 1877. In distinction from the phonograph in place of the cylinders for recording and playback of sounds ebonite (hard rubber) discs were used. The gramophone needle attached to the vibrating, perceiving the sounds of the disc, applies on the disc corresponding spiral lines and depths. During the rotation of the disc by means of a clockwork mechanism the needle moves according to the spirals of the disc and causes corresponding oscillations to the vibrating disc: The whole system of sounds recorded are reproduced perfectly.
In the years 1940-1960 the improvement of the gramophone allowed it to reach enough clarity in delivering the musical sounds of the theatre, as vocals and instrumentals. The preparation of gramophones became a powerful individual field in Western Europe. The gramophone and then the record player and electric phonogram rose as musical instruments, like the other mechanical instruments. The manufacturing of plates (discs) of different repertories divided into a separate industrial field.
It presents itself as a disc made of synthetic materials (firstly from shellac), where on every surface the groove (path) is stamped. The irregularity in these grooves represents the sound oscillations, played back with the help of the apparatus which is developed for this purpose. Formally the word “phonorecord” and “disc recording” are concise from the word “gramophone disc” and “gramophone record”, but since nobody has used the gramophone for long time, these abbreviated terms kept presenting as independent ones.
During the course of the 20th century the gramophone disc was the most important audio medium. Its main benefit was the massive easy duplication by means of stamping, also that gramophone discs are not subject to the effect of electric and magnetic fields.
In the end of the 20th century the release of gramophone discs decreased to a large extent. They became rare, and further displaced by compact discs and audio cassettes, however their production continues for the audiophiles, collectors and the DJs.
They are made of an organic compound Polyvinylchloride (“Vinyl”). The great design of the gramophone plate was considered as a wax mould – the recording material of the phonograph of the Thomas Alva Edison.
Later the gramophones and electrophones gave up their place to tape recorders and compact discs players.
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