The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

victorIIvictor wrote: the RCA Victor label replaced the Victor label in 1946, and such postwar discs were not designed to be played on a phonograph using steel needles. They will not sound good, and they will wear quickly, essentially destroying them.

My experience differs. On my XI I play all 78s, from acoustics and electrical, up to but not including vinyl. I've played RCA Victor "shellacs" repeatedly without destroying them. Exhibition sound box, soft-tone steel needles (fresh every play). YRMV!

I play all of my Post 1935 records on a Electric machine, I use my small.....RCA 6J 78 rpm player attachment. I rebuilt it, changed the power cord and a new cartridge and stylus. I just plug it into my Speakers and it sounds great, and its nostalgic from the era..... (circa 1947).

If your in a pinch, a new Crosley record player is good too.

Alot of the those old ones are getting expensive especially when they use old tubes.