There are basically two types of record players which can be categorized under the term "rough use." First, there is the kiddie record player, which made its debut in the late 1940's when girls began to swoon over the voice of Frank Sinatra. This type of record player initially played 78-rpm records, but after the 1950's and into the mid 80's, kiddie record players were targeted to the newer and more portable 45-rpm record. Kiddie record players were colorful and easy-to-operate versions of stereo equipment and were an important item to many kids. The 45-rpm single, which this player was designed for with its minature platter, brought rock & roll hits, bubblegum-pop singles, and the retelling of fairy tales to children. As rock music began producing superstars such as the Beatles, smart music-related companies began producing portable record players decorated with their images; these players became popular with teenagers. Even Mickey Mouse got his own record player! Fisher-Price took the kiddie record player to the extreme with the music box record player, which was a wind-up device for pre-schoolers that played specially notched discs.
The other type of "rough use" player is the standard classroom record player. These record players were built to take abuse and typically had features such as metal corner guards, vinyl-covered wood cases, metal tone arms, and vibration reducing decks.Click here for more info