R&B & Soul Vinyl Records

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R&B and Soul Vinyl Records

Rhythm and blues, or R&B, and soul are some of the 20th centurys most important music genres, along with jazz and rock. Vinyl records make fun collectors items and can help you expand your classic DJ mixing skills and repertoire. Here are five questions and answers to consider when expanding your collection of soul and R&B vinyl records.

Can you use these for DJ scratching?

Yes, you can DJ scratch and scrub any vinyl record. To prevent damage, use a special DJ needle and a DJ turntable. Although you can also use software to create faux scratching, the old school scratch and scrub technique is timeless and tight. Plus, practice helps you to gauge the amount of hand pressure to apply, which hones your finesse on the turntable.

Can you upload vinyl records into a digital format?

Yes, you absolutely can. There are two easy options. A DJ turntable with a built-in CD recorder is one option. You simply play any records you like on the turntable, pop a CD-R into the drive, and record an entire album or create a customized CD. The second option entails a USB DJ turntable. It transforms analog records into a digital format that you can save to your computer as an mp3.

How do you clean vinyl albums?

Handle records with care, preferably while wearing microfiber gloves. Sheathe your records when youre not using them. To clean:

  • Gently go over your records with a soft-bristled brush to dislodge dust and debris. Brush the needle as well to prevent buildup of dust.
  • Apply a few drops of vinyl cleaner to a dry, clean microfiber cloth.
  • Wipe the records generously with the cloth, going in the direction of the grooves.
What is a double album pressing?

Double album pressing indicates that a record contains two albums. Longer works, especially live performances of R&B, soul, gospel, and funk, tend to run to lengths that exceed the storage capacity of one album, hence the double pressing. This custom is also common with contemporary R&B, soul, funk, and hip-hip artists who drop CDs that have 18 to 25 tracks totaling more than an hour of music. The artist sometimes releases the same CD in a double album format to preserve the works overall structure and also to accommodate the needs of DJs, collectors, and vinyl enthusiasts.

What are 45s, and how do you play them?

This number refers to the rounds per minute the needle makes around the album. These smaller records are 7 inches in diameter, with lots of grooves per inch. The reduced space between grooves and their overall number results in more overtones and treble response. Seven-inch models are the old school standard for singles. Its easy to play 45s. Turntables have a switch that lets you change rounds-per-minute speed from 33 to 45 or 78.

You need a 45 adapter, which is just a plastic or metal insert that you put over your turntable spindle. Position the insert on the spindle, place your 45 on the turntable, adjust the speed, and carefully set the needle in place on the 45.

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