How did Tops Records squeeze two songs in each 78 rpm side?

How Tops Records Squeezed Two Songs into Each 78 RPM Side

Introduction

Tops Records, a renowned company in the music industry, managed to achieve a remarkable feat by fitting two songs on a single side of a 78 RPM record. This article explores the techniques employed by Tops Records to accomplish this impressive feat.

Shortening the Tracks

To fit two songs on a single side of a 78 RPM record, Tops Records employed the strategy of shortening each track as much as possible. This involved omitting verses, reducing the number of choruses, and employing rapid fade-outs. By minimizing the overall duration of each song, Tops Records maximized the available space on the record.

Adjusting the Volume

The loudness at which the record was cut played a crucial role in determining the width of each groove and how closely the grooves could be set. Tops Records capitalized on this by adjusting the groove gap and applying a simple EQ curve. Notably, they would decrease the bass levels since bass frequencies require a larger groove movement compared to treble frequencies. By reducing the bass and narrowing the potential track width, Tops Records could fit more content onto each side of the record.

Manual Track Separation

During the era when these records were produced, track separation was often a manual process. It involved either guiding the track separation by hand as the cut ran or setting it statically for the entire duration of the cut. While there might be a slightly wider gap at the track borders, Tops Records closely spaced the tracks to utilize the available space on the record more efficiently.

Conclusion

Tops Records’ ability to squeeze two songs into each 78 RPM side was a result of a combination of techniques. By shortening the tracks, adjusting the volume, and carefully managing the manual track separation process, Tops Records maximized the space on their records, offering customers an exceptional musical experience.

Sources:

1. Music Fans Stack Exchange: “How did Tops Records squeeze two songs in each 78 rpm side?” (https://musicfans.stackexchange.com/questions/4545/how-did-tops-records-squeeze-two-songs-in-each-78-rpm-side)
2. AMO Official Site: “2020 Vinyl 78RPM Bundle Pack” (https://www.alexmendham.com/product-page/preorder-2020-vinyl-bundle-pack)
3. Etsy: “Rare 78 RPM Records” (https://www.etsy.com/market/rare_78_rpm_records)

FAQs

How did Tops Records manage to fit two songs on a single side of a 78 rpm record?

Tops Records employed several techniques to achieve this. They shortened each track by omitting verses, reducing the number of choruses, and utilizing rapid fade-outs. By minimizing the overall duration of each song, Tops Records maximized the available space on the record.

Did Tops Records adjust the volume of the songs to fit more content on the record?

Yes, Tops Records adjusted the volume of the songs during the cutting process. The loudness at which the record was cut affected the width of each groove and the spacing between grooves. By adjusting the groove gap and applying a simple EQ curve, Tops Records could reduce the width of the track. For example, they turned down the bass, as bass frequencies require larger groove movement than treble frequencies.

Was the track separation process for these records manual?

Yes, during the time when these records were cut, track separation was often a manual process. It involved either guiding the track separation by hand as the cut ran or setting it statically for the entire cut. While there might be a slightly wider gap at the track borders, the rest of the tracks would be closely spaced to efficiently utilize the available space on the record.

How did Tops Records’ technique of fitting two songs on a side compare to other record companies?

Tops Records’ ability to fit two songs on a single side of a 78 rpm record was unique to their business model. Other record companies typically focused on standard practices of fitting one song per side. Tops Records’ innovation allowed them to offer customers more content and value for their money.