Audio Asylum Thread Printer

Get a view of an entire thread on one page

FAQ / News / Events

Vinyl Asylum

78 rpm records

84.86.168.17

Does anybody still collect 78 rpm records? Found a stash of 78's in a local thrift store. 1940's/50's American entertainment, Les Paul/Mary Ford, Glen Miller, Nat king Cole, Doris Day, Earl Bostic, Frank Sinatra, Bill Haley. Even a real modern jazz record on Pacific with Gerry Mulligan and Lee Konitz. Most of them were in good condition considering their age.

So i got the old Lenco down from the attic with a Shure cartridge with the green 78 stylus. And the fun could begin. These old records, yes there is more groove noise, but they are also surprising in some ways. Dynamics, speed, full bodied sound, midrange, vocals! The sound just jumped from the speakers, way louder than LP's. Very exciting! OK you have to get up every 3 minutes. The medium is not ideal for classical music.

"The torture never stops"
Greetings Freek.

Follow Ups:

I don't collect them, but I can play them. - ghost of olddude55 12:16:38 03/23/24 (7)
The Dual 1219 can play 78s. One of these days, I'll pick up a 78 stylus for the mono cartridge and then...

The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.
- Once you start playing 78s, sit close and keep the records close too. - alaskahiatt 13:31:48 03/23/24 (6)
  Or, find a good vintage record changer like a Dual or even older player that uses GE RPX cartridges.
  A VPI style record cleaner or another flat surface for cleaning is also necessary, so that no bending occurs while cleaning with just soap and water.
  The familiar KAB Electro Acoustics is a great help for 78rpm playback.
  - https://www.ebay.com/itm/375321087693?itmmeta=01HSPETPH9EMCW (Open in New Window)
  Edits: 03/23/24
  - RE: Once you start playing 78s, sit close and keep the records close too. - coffee-phil 07:52:33 03/24/24 (0)
    Hi alaskahaitt,
    
    Anyone thinking of getting of getting into 78s should jump on that changer which you linked. It appears to have a GE VR cartridge mounted. The seller says it doesn't work but the rubber parts can be rebuilt by Voice of Music and styli are still available.
    Of coarse a stereo cartridge will have to be had to play Edison Diamond Discs.
    
    Phil
  - Got a Dual 1219. - ghost of olddude55 14:27:09 03/23/24 (4)
    I have my doubts about the changer function working though.
    The mono cartridge is an AT VM610 Mono; AT makes a 78 stylus to fit that cart.
    And I've been using a DIY vacuum RCM for about 20 years. Has a flat surface for cleaning.
    
    The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.
    - Then you'll need a phono pre with a lot of different EQs - Tre' 17:19:21 03/23/24 (3)
      .
      Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
      "Still Working the Problem"
      78 RPM record EQ chart (Open in New Window)
      - Well, it depends on how deep I go into it. - ghost of olddude55 03:50:13 03/24/24 (2)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Then you'll need a phono pre with a lot of different EQs posted by Tre' on March 23, 2024 at 17:19:21
        
        Probably won't ever happen. If it does, I'll pick up an add-on tone control panel.
        
        The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.
        
        You can also watch eBay for used 78rpm equalizer units from REK-O-KUT, - alaskahiatt 11:24:10 03/24/24 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Well, it depends on how deep I go into it. posted by ghost of olddude55 on March 24, 2024 at 03:50:13
        
        KAB, Esoteric Audio, etc., or a regular multi-frequency graphic equalizer like a Pioneer SG-9. Then you would follow the charts that Tre' provided. I personally have the KAB-USA Souvenir VSP equalizer that is no longer available except on the used market. There is a MKII KAB unit that is used for 78s and LPs, but it is more expensive and no longer available from KAB.
        In the end, it's just like playing 45s one at a time. It's definitely not convenient unless you transport yourself back to the 20s, 30s, and 40s and have no other options. A good record changer solves part of the problem, but the thought of a shellac record falling down to the platter always makes me nervous.
        https://www.ebay.com/itm/276175010762?itmmeta=01HSRT17J0VF22 (Open in New Window)
        
        Edits: 03/24/24
        
        If I were gonna go that route... - ghost of olddude55 11:33:57 03/24/24 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: You can also watch eBay for used 78rpm equalizer units from REK-O-KUT, posted by alaskahiatt on March 24, 2024 at 11:24:10
        
        ...I'd probably get the DB Systems add-on tone control box.
        It doesn't have the different EQ curves, but it's designed to be used with my preamp and I'd be able to use it for all of my records.
        
        The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.
Considerations - M3 lover 11:43:44 03/23/24 (0)
My only 78s are a 4-record album of Louis Armstrong and The All-Stars from a 1947 Town Hall concert. It was one of dad's favorites so I saved it.

After investigating playback I'd say it depends on how many 78s one has, and how concerned they are about optimizing sonics. This site offers lots of information on the multiple considerations.

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho
- http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/mixphono.htm (Open in New Window)
I do collect 78 rpm records and spin them. As far as the sound "jumping" out of the speakers, YES! Most ... - J. S. Bach 09:49:37 03/23/24 (5)
...especially with a new or lightly-played before disc. I use a Technics SP-1015 for 78s (note that I used the same stylus as for my lps; it tracks a different part of the groove than the railroad spike normally used for 78s and has less noise):

A new never-played 78:

And some "interesting" titles:

And single-sided discs from the early days:

Later Gator,
Dave
- RE: I do collect 78 rpm records and spin them. As far as the sound "jumping" out of the speakers, YES! Most ... - MikeWI 20:07:50 03/25/24 (0)
  I wish I had some clean 78s like that! Most have been abused by the technology and habits of the era.
  
  Mike
- The Admiral's Daughter...Naughty, Naughty.... - blues4ever 12:50:09 03/23/24 (1)
  Oh, I have a copy of it also. I haven't played any 78's for several months. Guess I'll break some out tomorrow for a listen. And I hope I don't literally break any, although it's pretty easy to do (don't ask me how I know that).
  
  For perfect tone use Columbia Needles
  For Best results use Victor Needles
  For best results use OKEH Needles
  
  Edits: 03/23/24
  - I like the "Dinghy" song - alaskahiatt 13:37:16 03/23/24 (0)
- Because of the shellac - gonzo 10:04:19 03/23/24 (1)
  how do you clean your 78s? I have a bunch of them though I haven't yet set up a table for them and if you use the same cartridge/stylus as you do use for your LPs. do you track at a different weight/force?
  Thanks. Norm
  - "do you track at a different weight" Sometimes, if there is unevenness I put a dime on the headshell. )MT( - J. S. Bach 10:46:47 03/23/24 (0)
    Later Gator,
    Dave

Post a Followup:

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Atma-Sphere Music Systems, Inc.