Victrola playing to slow, apparently

[gramophone-georg]

Mark, you are a true geek. You sound like me with my classic Mercedes, VW, and Porsche customers.

[Hoodoo]

When I left my comment above, I hadn’t seen the video of the record playing, as it wasn’t posted yet, but now that I have watched it, it does seem to be playing at about 72 rpm.
It is odd that the phone app would show 78(ish) when the actual speed was 72.
Could record drag slow it that much?

[JerryVan]

When I left my comment above, I hadn’t seen the video of the record playing, as it wasn’t posted yet, but now that I have watched it, it does seem to be playing at about 72 rpm.
It is odd that the phone app would show 78(ish) when the actual speed was 72.
Could record drag slow it that much?

The phone showed 78 when the machine's speed indicator was showing maybe 84 RPM. If the indicator were set at 78 it's very reasonable to assume that the turntable was going at 72.

Unless recently adjusted/calibrated, the Victrola speed indicators can be wildly inaccurate.

[phonojim]

I always set turntable/ mandrel speed with a record playing in order to compensate for any drag from the reproducer or feedscrew.

[Edisonfan]

When I left my comment above, I hadn’t seen the video of the record playing, as it wasn’t posted yet, but now that I have watched it, it does seem to be playing at about 72 rpm.
It is odd that the phone app would show 78(ish) when the actual speed was 72.
Could record drag slow it that much?

To be fair, the video was filmed five years ago and the comment was made a couple of days ago. Plus, I sold the record.

[Edisonfan]

When I left my comment above, I hadn’t seen the video of the record playing, as it wasn’t posted yet, but now that I have watched it, it does seem to be playing at about 72 rpm.
It is odd that the phone app would show 78(ish) when the actual speed was 72.
Could record drag slow it that much?

The phone showed 78 when the machine's speed indicator was showing maybe 84 RPM. If the indicator were set at 78 it's very reasonable to assume that the turntable was going at 72.

Unless recently adjusted/calibrated, the Victrola speed indicators can be wildly inaccurate.

All I know is, I couldn’t hear any difference? To me it sounds fine.

[Edisonfan]

Paul,

You really have two questions.
1. Is the record playback speed correct?
2. Why doesn’t the needle indicator point to 78 if the turntable is rotating at 78/min

The first question can be answered by tuning the record to a known musical source or by comparing it with the work of trusted transcription engineers. At the time Victor recorded “Bake dat Chicken Pie” the recording standard was pretty well controlled at 78/min
The Historical Library at i78s.org pitches this record (take 1) at 78.3/min. A properly pitched and cleaner transcription can be found here:

https://i78s.org/preview/10c1085ecacf99 ... c587e6998a

The second question can be answered by reading the Victor Owners manual. RTFM is a wonderful thing! Below are instructions for adjusting the indicator. Victor suggested checking the calibration four or five times per year. The instructions are still valid today. There is no excuse for having a machine that is out of adjustment. Yes, a hundred year old Victrola can be calibrated so that the indicator needle gives a close approximation of the turntable speed.

The manual describes using a slip of paper to count the revolutions, your iPhone application seems another valid way. Victor supplied a stroboscopic paper disc for speed checking for a time in the mid 20’s, it was discontinued when it was found to violate a patent. See the Victor Executive Meeting notes at the Hagley museum for this discussion.

I hope these servicing instructions will put you on the right track. Thanks to Peter at Nipperhead.com for the manual page scans.

Mark

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Thank you Mark

[Edisonfan]

I just had a thought? Shouldn’t all the records i played on my Victrola be slow as well? Especially if it is a speed problem?

[Edisonfan]

(Double-click the video above or click this link to go to the video on YouTube.)

[travisgreyfox]

If it sounds fine to you and you like it the way it is, leave it alone and do not listen to the "critics". If you would like to fix the speed indicator it is an easy fix.

-Travis