BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor

Subject: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor?
From: Zhenya
Date: 03 Jan 02 - 04:34 PM

Perhaps someone can help with this. A colleague at work just mentioned she has old 45s at home and still has a record player, but lost the 45 rpm adaptor that allows the record to fit on the stylus. She wants to get a new one. I tried a web search and located a few, but the companies were all in Europe. We're in the NYC area, and this is probably the only item she wants to buy, so sending all the way to Britain or Spain seems impractical. Does anyone know where she can buy one of these?

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: MMario
Date: 03 Jan 02 - 04:37 PM

we used to just cut styrofoam to fit

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: GUEST,Guest Big Red
Date: 03 Jan 02 - 04:58 PM

Try the stores that sell used records. They usually have some of the parts that go with the records. Look in the yellow pages under compact disks. (although some books may still list records)

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 03 Jan 02 - 05:19 PM

In the City, you ought to be able to find some little old guy who repairs record players and radios and TVs -- check the Yellow Pages under Electronics Repair, or something like that. One of those old shops with a zillion dusty boxes and pieces of equipment sitting around. Call around and see if someone carries it. I presume you're talking about the one that fits over the spindle of the turntable and lets you stack a bunch of records and drops them one at a time (grinding the grooves of each one, of course....but there are no audiophiles for 45s, right?). If you don't need that, they also used to make little plastic inserts that fit into the hole of the 45 and turned it into a small hole. But they may be even harder to find!

You also might try a radio station, especially one that was a big Top 40 station back when. And there's always eBAy!

Aloha,
Mark

(I'm ashamed to admit it, but the first 45 I owned was "The Ballad of the Green Berets"! -- unless you count "The Mickey Mouse Club" and "Rusty in Orchestraville"!)

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jan 02 - 11:07 PM

My first 45 was purchased for me by my parents; I used to jump up and down in my crib to Tennessee Ernie Ford singing Sixteen Tons. There are some little yellow adaptors that you can slip into the center of the 45, then it plays just fine on the regular 33rpm spindle. m

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Art Thieme
Date: 03 Jan 02 - 11:26 PM

I just threw one out -------- with my defunct turntable. I'd've sent it to you gratis. So sorry...

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jan 02 - 11:54 PM

This place says they have one that will work for $22 and they are in the US: Nauck

And, this one lists them, too: oldradioparts.com.

If those don't work, try going beyond the third page of listings which come up on a search of www.google.com using the words "USA 45 rpm phonograph adapter."

Good luck!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jan 02 - 11:58 PM

Sorry, on that second site, the actual page with adapters is kind of hard to find; just click here.

Also, on the first site, it is the first item listed, but don't be put off because it says 78's; it lists 45's, too.

Should have explained that! *bg* Sorry...kat

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 12:45 AM

Assuming you're not into hi-fi, or too seriously concerned about the records, I'll relate that as a kid we could never find the spindle for the 45s.

Possibly "parental discretion" led to them being missing.

We just flopped the record down on a turning turntable, and then "nursed" it into position by "bumping" with a fingernail on the edge of the record. When it looks like it's running fairly true, it will probably stay in place long enough to get thru the piece. Experience showed that the tone arm on these old players will follow quite a large excentricity, although you can get some pretty wild "wows" if you don't get fairly close to center.

It worked better on the turntables with the "rubber" surface - some of the old ones had a "felt" cover that was pretty slick; but even on them we didn't have much trouble making enough noise to annoy the older generation.

Of course, it would be simpler with a center button; and if you want to play a stack you'll need the whole spindle thingy. Suggestions above have been pretty good, but don't forget about the (probably out of season) yard sales and such.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 01:02 AM

Oh, yard sales, yes! And, also check with your local school district's music teachers. My sister "saved" a couple of old "suitcase" phonographs which play 78's and 45's with spindle, if I remember right, from being thrown out by the school district where she teaches elementary music. Now, she has it connected to her computer and can record all of our parents' old 78's.

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 01:47 AM

Zhenya... You will get a wider readership and suggestions....

This IS about MUSIC....and a concern to those interested in MUSIC....next time you can leave off the B.S.

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 08:58 AM

For those who may be really serious about old records, I recently acquired one of those schoolhouse discard record players, and in attempting to figure out what I had, discovered that the manufacturer still produces at least one player with 78rpm capability.

Look for the 4-speed model at Hamilton Electronics.

Their site, unfortunately, gives no indication as to how one might purchase something from them - and they have not responded to my email request for dealer information.

The "junker" that I acquired seems uncommonly well built, so it might be worth the hunt for someone who really needs to play some old records.

Noted incidentally - their 45rpm spool is permanently attached and retractable, so it can't(?) get lost.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Big Mick
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 09:19 AM

I think you should check with Radio Shack. You might get a surprise. Also do a search on companies that supply stylus's/needles for turntables. I'll bet they have a source.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: annamill
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 09:24 AM

I was an avid 45 listener and I remember losing my disc (45 adapter) often. I used a large thread spool. You know, a sewing thread spool. It is just the right size. You have to force it onto the spindle just a little from the bottom. and then just slip the 45's over it. They came out with an automatic 45 changer that you could load with about ten records. Boy, did I love that. It worked off of the regular spindle. Neat. I'd lay on my bed and just listen. "Soldier Boy! Oh, my little soldier boy" "I love him so....". Ahhh... memories.

Love, Annamill

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Zhenya
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 02:00 PM

Thanks from myself and Janet (my co-worker) for all these helpful suggestions. (Including the one about using/not using the BS prefix. I guess I thought if no other prefix applied, I had to use that, but looking at today's list, I realize I could have just gone prefix-less.) We immediately searched the office for styrofoam, and Janet will get on with the rest of the list.

I wasn't thinking when I wrote this how nostalgic it would make some of us. I also remember (or at least my family told me I did this) jumping up and down in the crib to music. One early one was "Davy Crockett." I choose not to remember the first 45 I purchased for myself, which I suspect was not in any way folk related. (but my first LP was...a Judy Collins album.)

At any rate, thanks for your help! Zhenya

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 02:20 PM

I still think of 45s as that new fangled thing they introduced to replace the 78s.

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 02:29 PM

And don't forget the Salvation Army, St. Vincent dePauls, and other charity sales organizations. I've seen these in the Salvation Army as recently as last week on a couple of 45 records. You could also have a machinist turn a piece of aluminum the diameter you wanted for under $20.00. If you want let me know and I'll do it for nothing and send it to you if all other avenues are closed.

McGrath - I thought those 78's were the "new" replacements for the blue Edison cylinders. *BG*

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 12:41 AM

Zhenya, it wasn't "Wildflowers", was it? That was my first LP. No, actually, I take that back--Wildflowers was #4, after "Surrealistic Pillow" by Jefferson Airplane, "Evergreen vol.2" by the Stone Poneys (with Linda Ronstadt) and "Waiting for the Sun" by the Doors. Those were the days, my friend...

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: rangeroger
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 01:29 AM

Believe it or not, I still have the first 45 I bought.

"Whispering Bells" by the Dell Vikings. 1957 Dot Records.

rr

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: artbrooks
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 05:32 PM

I found an unopened package of eight little yellow doohickies in my parts/junk box (original cost 25 cents). These are the things that make big holes into little holes. If these will meet your friend's needs, PM me with an address.

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Arbuthnot
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 09:34 PM

Just to clarify things for the International public: In the USA 45s were sold with a large hole, which in the rest of the world was only used on jukeboxes. The adapters required were routinely fitted to US singles sold in Europe. Sned me your address in a PM and I'll send you afew - but they're black this side of the pond.

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: 53
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 10:30 PM

lokk in your attic where you keep all the junk. you might find one there. BOB

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: marty D
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 11:20 PM

If you've got a compass it's really easy to cut circles in a couple of pieces of cardboard out, glue them together, and start boogying to the oldies.

marty

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 06 Jan 02 - 01:47 AM

Roger...I believe it ... still have my first ..Running Bear by Johnny Horton! It is Johnny Horton isn't it? Oh rats... now I'll have to go hunt it up just to be sure!

LL

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Deckman
Date: 07 Jan 02 - 01:46 AM

Go to a hock shop!

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Zhenya
Date: 07 Jan 02 - 02:12 PM

Thanks everyone, for all the additional suggestions. I'll PM as app., per above messages. As for Mark's message above, if I recollect correctly, that Judy Collins album was Recollections. (sorry… that was bad.) I did get all the other ones you mentioned except for the Stone Poneys. (But right now I have that "different drum" song of theirs cycling through my head.)

Now I'll have to figure out what the last LP I bought was, before going over to CDs. By then I had discovered Irish/Scottish music and I suspect it was something from the Green Linnet catalogue. Perhaps the Bothy Band? Well, that "last LP" is another subject for people to muse on…. Zhenya

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jan 02 - 03:16 PM

The last "album" I bought was an expensive DGG double album of Itzac Perlman and another big name that escapes me right now (don't think it was Stern, someone younger) playing Mozart. Been a while since I played it--though I do have a functioning turntable. Some of the students at the university where I work come into the library to borrow recordings, and upon receipt of an LP have to ask what to do with it.

Maggie

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: Arbuthnot
Date: 07 Jan 02 - 04:48 PM

Just to say, not Johnny Horton, but Johnny Preston. NB: Horton-in-Ribblesdale is about 35miles from Preston

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: GUEST,Desdemona
Date: 07 Jan 02 - 05:25 PM

Now this is an interesting quest! My eldest son (age 15) is a little misty in terms of comprehending the whole LP concept, and at the risk of sounding like the old 30-something I am, I think it's sort of too bad.

Obviously, CDs sound a million times better than your old scratchy records, but I KNEW where the skips were, and the scratchiness added that certain something, in a way. "Back In The USSR" just isn't the same without that skip between "balalaikas" and "come & keep your comrade warm"!!

Besides, what soon-to-be-broken plastic jewel case can compare with the joy of unwrapping your new album, putting it on the turntable, and then settling back to admire the cover art and copious liner notes...aaaahhhh.

I had about a trillion 45s when I was little, mostly the Beatles; those litle plastic adaptors used to be so ubiquitous, how funny that they're practically collector's items now!

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: MAG
Date: 08 Jan 02 - 12:19 AM

Maybe it's where the market is; the local Radio Shack carries adaptors and needles and all. The stuff IS available; maybe yours can order for you.

MAG, who still listens to her 45 of "Love Potion #9" (and no, you can't have it.)

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jan 02 - 01:10 AM

The summer of 1966, I was able to buy a bunch of 45's off the jukebox in the hotel/cafe my parents ran for the summer. I still have all of them, some of which were The Lonely Bull-TJB; Where Were You When I Needed You; Red Rubber Ball; Taste of Honey-TJB; Paperback Writer; and others.

I had some as a little kid, still do and a couple of those bright red or yellow little kids ones which are 78's. I think my first real 45 was I Wanna Hold Your Hand, given to me by a *boyfriend* in 7th grade!

Did anybody here ever melt their colourful LP's and make them into serving dishes for chips, etc? (I KNOW, such sacrilege!) Didn't do it to too many, but we thought that was so cool; now they would look so 60's retro! LOL! We also boiled our glass cat's eye marbles until they cracked on the inside and made jewellry out of them! Thankfully, I still have a bunch of those left, unboiled!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Where to find 45 rpm adaptor
From: TeriLu
Date: 08 Jan 02 - 01:54 AM

My friend and I used to charge money(!) to family members and neighbors to come and watch us pantomime (now called lipsynch!) and act out my family's 45s, like "Bushel and a Peck", "Lonely Teenager", "I Will Follow Him", "And Then He Kissed Me"! A star was born...