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How to play Marconi Velvet Tone records?

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 12:52 pm
by 52089
I recently bought a very nice group of records that included one Marconi Velvet Tone disc. These are sort of like an early version of flexi-discs. The material seems closer to vinyl than shellac. Because of that, you're not supposed to play these with a steel needle. A special gold-plated needle is recommended, but who has those? (Most of these, this one included, are found with significant wear from owners who used steel needles on them.)

What is the recommended method for playing these now? Would thorn or fiber needles be OK, or are these best played with modern equipment only?

Re: How to play Marconi Velvet Tone records?

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 12:59 pm
by Joseph Clack
I've got a couple and they play well on a modern machine.

Re: How to play Marconi Velvet Tone records?

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 1:04 pm
by Wolfe
It's a celluloid record. They were taken off the market due to excessive wear problems and using a gold plated needle in heavy mechanical soundbox isn't going to make much difference.

Re: How to play Marconi Velvet Tone records?

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 4:09 pm
by epigramophone
Trailer needles, recommended for flexible records such as Filmophones, might be worth a try.

Re: How to play Marconi Velvet Tone records?

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 7:06 pm
by Phonofreak
I would not play these acoustically. These should be played on a modern turntable. These records are very scarce, and few survived. After they were torn to shreds from steel and the gold needles, most were tossed in the trash. To me, these are more of a curio than a serious record to play.
Harvey Kravitz

Re: How to play Marconi Velvet Tone records?

Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 2:31 am
by AmberolaAndy
I only have one of these records in my collection, and it plays fine on a modern turntable.

Re: How to play Marconi Velvet Tone records?

Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2023 5:20 pm
by MisterGramophone
You need a Marconi gold-plated needle and a gramophone that plays laterals.