The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Forgive my ignorance, but would it be harmful to play the older discs (meant to be played with steel needles etc.) on a "modern" turntable?
I haven't tried it yet for fear of wrecking the shellac. I assume that since modern stylus floats fairly easily it would be ok. I'd appreciate the feedback

No it wouldn't be harmful to your records. Many record collectors will only use modern equipment. It's easiest to have a turntable with the 78 rpm speed setting along variable speed control to adjust for non-standard speeds, such as Edison discs.
If your tonearm allows easy change-out to a modern cartridge, there are several helpful suppliers who can help with information regarding proper stylii for different types of records. Here's a start:

http://kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/

Good luck!
Bob

Seconded.

A precison ground diamond stylus and modern tonearm tracking at 3-4 grams, will actually be much kinder to your records than a heavy soundbox and steel needle.

Thanks!!

While we're on the subject of modern styli, does anyone have the link to Expert stylus' website?
I seem to have lost it.

gramophoneshane wrote:While we're on the subject of modern styli, does anyone have the link to Expert stylus' website?
I seem to have lost it.

http://www.78tours.com/Expert_Stylus_Company.htm

That's what I thought too, but that page says it is not the official Expert Stylus site, but a collection of information from other sites.
The link I used to have, had pictures of styli, sizes & prices for their different products, including DD & Pathé needles etc.

gramophoneshane wrote:That's what I thought too, but that page says it is not the official Expert Stylus site, but a collection of information from other sites.
The link I used to have, had pictures of styli, sizes & prices for their different products, including DD & Pathé needles etc.

Ok, my bad, have you tried google?

Yeah, tried Google & found pages of everything but.
There was even some site recommending you add "Expert Stylus" to your link or something, because of the "hits" it would generate for your site
I'm kind of wondering if they've closed or moved their webpage because of that?

Isn't Expert Stylus one of those rare companies which still not have their website anyway? That was at least something I read a few years ago somewhere. It may have changed by now.