Do you need a special needle to play 78s?
Answer: Yes, Audio-Technica’s popular AT-LP120-USB and AT-LP1240-USB turntables will allow the platter to play at the 78 RPM speed. But the correct speed is only part of the solution – a proper 78 RPM stylus should also be used when playing 78 RPM records on your turntable.
What is a 78 RPM stylus?
To playback your 78 RPM record with fidelity and accuracy you need to use a stylus designed for 78 RPM record grooves. A very common misconception is that you can use a LP stylus for playing 78 RPM records. This is one quick and sure way to damage the 78 record groove. Playing it once is enough.
What is 78 RPM used for?
In 1910, 78 RPM started to be considered the standard speed for phonograph records. Since 78s were typically 10- to 12-inch records, they only had the ability to record about three to five minutes of music per side. This limited the number of songs that could be recorded per side to one or two.
Do you need a specific needle for a turntable?
Choose a Needle Shape Whether you’re selecting an entire turntable cartridge or just a replacement stylus, you’ll need to choose a stylus shape.
What records play at 78 RPM?
Any flat disc record, made between about 1898 and the late 1950s and playing at a speed around 78 revolutions per minute is called a “78” by collectors. The materials of which discs were made and with which they were coated were also various; shellac eventually became the commonest material.
What size records play at 78 RPM?
21-48. Any flat disc record, made between about 1898 and the late 1950s and playing at a speed around 78 revolutions per minute is called a “78” by collectors. The materials of which discs were made and with which they were coated were also various; shellac eventually became the commonest material.
Why was 78 RPM chosen for records?
As more and more audio manufacturers turned to producing record players, the idea of a 78 RPM turntable became the norm. This is because the 3600 RPM motor used within the turntable saw peak performance at 78.26 RPM. Eventually, this became the official record standard by 1925.
What is the best needle for a record player?
Here are the best record player needles that’ll help your machine age gracefully.
- Gartopvoiz Record Player Diamond Stylus Replacement.
- Soofotoo Record Player Golden Needle with Diamond Stylus Replacement.
- ZenTect 5-Pack Record Player Needles.
- Banpa 5 Piece Diamond Record Player Needle with Cartridge.
How do I know what size needle my record player needs?
Half-inch cartridges are installed on your turntable via a headshell which is why is why it’s easy to tell which type of cartridge you need. If you see a headshell attached to the end of your tonearm, you need a half-inch cartridge.
How can you tell if a record is a 78?
78s are usually made of shellac which is heavier and stiffer than vinyl. You can hold a record by the edges and tap in the deadwax with a fingernail. It’s a “brighter” sound than vinyl which sounds like a dull frisbee. Most 78s are 10″ or 12″.
How much is a 78 record worth?
He said that on average a rare jazz 78 might sell for $1,500 to $5,000, whereas sales for a comparable blues record would start at $5,000.
How often should I change my record needle?
When does a turntable stylus need to be replaced? Most manufacturers recommend changing your stylus at around 1000 hours of record playing time. So if you’re using your turntable for an hour or so per day on average, ideally you should be changing the stylus every couple of years.