Playing old 1931 Victor Home Recordings

[Jim M]

I have some very old record disks from my Mother that were created on a 1931 New Victor Radio R-39.

My dilema is that the antique radio/phonograph no longer works.

Are there any turntable cartridges (make/model) that can be used on a modern day turntable
to allow playback of these precious records?

I have read many email threads stating that a special sylus is required, but have no idea where to find one.

I would greatly appreciate if anyone has any suggestions.

Thanks,

Jim M.

[EdiBrunsVic]

Several years ago, I played some old 78 rpm home recordings on a three speed turntable with a modern stylus and they played well.

[OrthoSean]

That won't work well with those RCA home recording blanks, they were pre-grooved and they require a larger than usual stylus to play them, around 6 mil. The recorded signal on these discs is high up in the groove, which is why you'll need a larger than "standard" 78 stylus (which is generally considered to be about 3 mil).

Sean

[John Svensson]

Try http://www.esotericsound.com ,they have a 4.0 mil stylus & cartridge for "RCA Home Recordings". Just don't choke on the price. John

[OrthoSean]

Yeah, "they ain't cheap", but if you want the best possible sound from your records, they're worth the investment. I have 12 different custom styli for 78s, plus 2 and 4 minute cylinder styli for electrical playback. The 2 minute stylus is close to the 6 mil size, for a Stanton 500 series cartridge, these run about $150 each, but to me they're worth every penny especially when you dabble in audio restoration and want the best. I don't skimp on my audio stuff.

Sean

[PabloMajid]

I would like to know what is the value of a 1930 working RCA Victor R-39. It is in fairly good shape.

[Wolfe]

I would like to know what is the value of a 1930 working RCA Victor R-39. It is in fairly good shape.

300 bucks or better, as far as 6.

[FloridaClay]

Try http://www.esotericsound.com ,they have a 4.0 mil stylus & cartridge for "RCA Home Recordings". Just don't choke on the price. John

And thanks for the lead to this site. Looks like they have a lot of interesting stuff, as well as a nice selection of 78s for sale.

Clay