Re: Embarrassed to Ask Help Identifying Grafonola Model
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 1:26 pm
Well, we've probably all been there at one point or another...
I didn't learn that steel needles were "for one play only" until I was a senior in High School, and had been playing records on the family Victrola for about 10 years at that point... I was suspicious that they shouldn't sound so "gargly"... sometimes I would lightly lay a finger alongside the reproducer to encourage the needle to hug at least one wall of the groove... definitely not good for the records.
I was thunderstuck when visiting a slightly older (college-age) collector who knew all about this stuff, and he played a record in very good condition, with a new needle... I had NO IDEA that 78's could sound that good on an acoustic machine.
He kindly sent me home with package of new needles. 
Enjoy your machine, and welcome to the Forum !
Frank
I didn't learn that steel needles were "for one play only" until I was a senior in High School, and had been playing records on the family Victrola for about 10 years at that point... I was suspicious that they shouldn't sound so "gargly"... sometimes I would lightly lay a finger alongside the reproducer to encourage the needle to hug at least one wall of the groove... definitely not good for the records.
I was thunderstuck when visiting a slightly older (college-age) collector who knew all about this stuff, and he played a record in very good condition, with a new needle... I had NO IDEA that 78's could sound that good on an acoustic machine.
He kindly sent me home with package of new needles. Enjoy your machine, and welcome to the Forum !
Frank