BS: What happened to your records?

Subject: RE: BS: What happened to your records?
From: Bernard
Date: 26 Oct 00 - 04:01 PM

Steve - 'You'll lose some bass, though...' no you don't, unless you've got something radically wrong somewhere!

'...One thing which you may not know about (oh yes I do! It's RIAA equalisation!) is that vinyl records had the treble end boosted on the recording for technical reasons which would otherwise lead to a loss of treble on playback.'

No! It was merely to increase 'track density' - a groove with lots of bass is wider than one which hasn't! It also helped to avoid the track wall being too thin. The record was mastered with the bass reduced, pressed, and the RIAA EQ then put the bass back.

'...Your record player (phonograph) amplifier compensates by reducing it again; a bit like Dolby, I suppose. But with 78s you do lose this top-end, which you don't if you use a mechanical sound-box.'

Perhaps I should have pointed out that you don't use the RIAA when transcribing 78's - take the signal direct from the deck.

It will need to patch through the microphone input (okay, it's mono, but so are the records!) instead of the line input, as the level is low from magnetic pickups.

'...I've got an HMV portable, and it's LOUD! The sound quality is surprisingly good, too.'

The quality of the diaphragm in the head assembly makes all the difference. Never be tempted to take one apart, unless it has already ceased to function!

'...I'm not too happy about the effects of the steel needle on the playing surface...'

The best 'needles' were made of wood... but this should be another thread!!

Subject: RE: BS: What happened to your records?
From: mousethief
Date: 26 Oct 00 - 04:04 PM

I thought the fancy needles were bamboo, not wood. But I've been wrong before.

Alex
O..O
=o=

Subject: RE: BS: What happened to your records?
From: Bernard
Date: 26 Oct 00 - 04:36 PM

That, too. Thorns were also used. Unfortunately I've nothing other than superficial memories to go from, though I know where I can find out, but not quickly...

Subject: RE: BS: What happened to your records?
From: Metchosin
Date: 26 Oct 00 - 04:41 PM

Hawthorns to be exact.

Subject: RE: BS: What happened to your records?
From: rangeroger
Date: 26 Oct 00 - 10:35 PM

SDShad, I haven't seen DiscWasher fluid around for a while. I kind of gave up looking for it as vinyl died.Which is really kind of stupid as I have so much vinyl and the DiscWasher process is what has kept my records in such good shape.

I have found that isoproyl alcohol in a small pump sprayer is just as effective and a whole lot cheaper ($0.50 a pint)

rr