Recording 78 rpm records

Introduction

Notes for section:

• Ideally use a TT with 78rpm and adjustable speed - though can use lower speed dunbbing.
• Use a proper 78 stylus - see below - may need a separate headshell/cartridge.
• Clean your records.
• Audacity setup - use the default 32-bit 44.1kHz
• Processing to remove noise - and review results.
• Export to WAV/MP3 in the normal way.

Use a special Stylus for 78rpm records

Note that you should not use a normal stylus (needle) to play 78's. The grooves on a 78 are significantly larger than the grooves on an LP and the normal stylus will bottom out in the grooves. This will result in noisier transfers and could potentially damage your stylus. Check the web site or manual for your turntable to see if the manufacturer supplies a special 78 rpm stylus or cartridge. If not, search the web for "78 rpm stylus".

78s may hiss if you use the wrong stylus. The hiss comes when the narrow "long play" 33-1/3 stylus will rest on the floor of the 78 groove. The wider 78 stylus will rest on the vibrations in the wall of the groove which is much quieter and more accurate. You can only get a very bad approximation of the 78 music by using the wrong stylus. On loud passages, a narrower stylus designed for vinyl will bounce around the groove like shaking a penny in a tin cup.

Not only will you get a bad recording if you use the wrong stylus - you are also likely to damage your stylus and possibly the cartridge.

Use a spare headshell

The safest way to swap bewtween stylus types (if you are doing this often) is to use a separate headshell and cartridge. This way you will not be continually swapping the stylus on your cartridge - a risky procedure.

Cleaning the records

Try to clean the 78s as thoroughly as possible before recording. This will save you time later as cleaning clicks/pops is hard work if you do it manually.

Do not use alcohol-based solvents on the shellac, use only water or water-based cleaners. You can use a bit of washing up liquid on a piece of velvet and warm water. Give them all a wash, in cool not hot water, and place them in the dish rack - then change the water and rinse thoroughly - finally rinse off with distilled (de-ionized) water, then drain and dry off with a dry piece of velvet.

Avoid wiping with kitchen paper or similar, as these are both abrasive, and can leave fibres stuck in the grooves (placing the record on a piece of kitchen towel can absorb the majority of the distilled water if you are in a hurry, but avoid wiping).

Links

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