The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

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.

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

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

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

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

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

PabloMajid wrote: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.

John Svensson wrote: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