Why were old gramophone records timed to 78 r.p.m.?
In the early days of development, records were made to spin at a variety of speeds from 60 to 120 rpm. When mass production started, it was obvious that a standard compromise speed would have to be agreed and, in 1925, it was set at 78 rpm, although a few manufacturers produced discs designed to be played at 80rpm (I have a few myself).
