What can you play on....

[whitedogfive]

I have a number of accoustic disc machines mostly dated 1901-1920. I have a few 78 records recorded using electric microphone (1925-1940). What damage is done playing these records on these early machines. Reproducers are mostly Victor Exhibition and early Concert. Is there damage to the record also? Thanks.

[whitedogfive]

80 views and no answers? Sounds like a good question!!!!

[Phototone]

I have a number of accoustic disc machines mostly dated 1901-1920. I have a few 78 records recorded using electric microphone (1925-1940). What damage is done playing these records on these early machines. Reproducers are mostly Victor Exhibition and early Concert. Is there damage to the record also? Thanks.

If your Exhibition reproducer is rebuilt with fresh gaskets and everything, and the tone arm is free (no binding), and you use medium or soft-tone needles, a new one each time, you will probably be OK playing 1925 thru 1930 electric records, I wouldn't play later electrics.

Here's a simple quick and dirty way to assess the damage you might do. Play a clean record. After playing, rotate the record and use your finger to lightly touch the surface near the edge for a whole rotation. Look at your finger. Does it have a black smudge on it? If so, the substance of the record is being worn away from the playing.

[Steve]

I agree with Phototone but my test is even simpler - just look at the needle and wipe it between thumb and forefinger after playing the record, checking for black debris / particles.

I play records up to 1940's on my early machines without a problem. All my soundboxes have been rebuilt and have maximum compliance.

[HisMastersVoice]

You could always use cactus or fibre needles if you are concerned. They won't damage the later electrics under most circumstances.

[larryh]

I have a slightly different take on that needle test. Its a bit hard to know if the record hasn't been played for some time if your just getting the dirt out of the grooves or if its wearing the records. A record in decent shape made into the 40's should have a hard enough surface to let the reproducer play it without damage. But if the record as many have been, is worn from people not changing the needles then you get into the needle trying to drag the record down in speed and is not pleasant.

Personally, and its just me, I can't bear to hear most late 78's on an acoustic machine because the recording techniques are way beyond the abilities of the mica to withstand in most cases. Yes now and then there are some records which do not have any parts that are overly taxing but usually its not many. I generally try to stay within the era the records were created for, thus acoustic records on acoustic machines and early electrics on machines designed to play them. Records up into the the mid 30s. Even the 20's electrical records can be way too much for orthophonic type machines and are harsh to hear.

Larry

[Wolfe]

80 views and no answers? Sounds like a good question!!!!

Also a very popular question that has been brought up and answered times over on this list, just one of those things...

Personally I only play 'period correct' pre 1930's records on my machine, and ones that have playing wear already. I won't play NOS minty records of any era on a vintage machine, a phono-apologist I am not. Must save some of them in virginal state for future generations that might enjoy them.