Records Vs. Cassette Tapes
With the popularity of MP3 players and the ease of using a computer to record music, both the vinyl record album and the cassette tape appear to be fading into obscurity. They both have their place in history and should be credited with creating what we know as the music industry. Serious music fans still use records and cassettes and have their preferences for various reasons.
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Music History
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The record album made music accessible to the masses, which essentially created the music industry. The vinyl recordings were very accurate and of high quality, but were also very fragile. Records were easy to scratch and even specks of invisible dust could deteriorate sound quality. As Elvis and the Beatles emerged, the public was hungry for music, and the album provided the answer. Today, many people have nostalgic feelings for the albums, scratches and all.
Cassette History
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The cassette was an instant hit when introduced in the 1960s. Small and easy to carry, they were seen as a great alternative to vinyl. Cassette players were more portable as well. Cassette players also made it possible for anyone to record their own music. The downside of cassettes was having to find the song you wanted to hear on the tape by fast-forward or rewinding. Cassettes can also break and can be easily damaged by sunlight.
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Access
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While few records are being made, and cassettes are rare, you may still purchase a record player or cassette player. Some treasure hunters look for used versions at yard sales and in junk shops. Often, they can be bought at a very low cost, making them virtually disposable. The same is true for records and tapes, which can often be bought for a dollar or less, making the discovery of music as a hobby very affordable.
Conclusion
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It comes down to personal preference. The best quality is found in digital recordings. However, records and cassettes still do what they have always done, which is preserve the music you like and keep it accessible. Albums do get scratched more than tapes, but tapes can become brittle over time. Tapes offer better quality, but albums last longer. There is also something nostalgic about listening to old records with the crackle and pop that comes with time.
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References
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- Photo Credit record player image by jeancliclac from Fotolia.com
