[brianmch]

Hi all,
Infrequent lurker and even less frequent poster from KC.

Long story short, I've inherited about 1,000 78's containing popular music from the 1930's to maybe 1950's.  Am looking for someone who is interested in them or in finding a way to play them. 

I've got an alphabetical list by song (don't blame me) that I could scan and share via Dropbox. I've only looked at a couple and I think they are shellac (pretty thick).  Probably not cleaned when played by the original owner, although he did really love them ala the list. 

Alternatively, I've got a Linn Axis that I'm the original owner of to offer in trade for an equivalent machine to spin 78's. 

Thanks for considering my plea/request. 

Brian

[Scott F.]

Hi Brian,


There are a couple of us into 78s here in the GAS Circle, namely me and Blackmore.

When it comes to 78s, it's not just a matter of the platter spinning faster but you also have a different stylus profile and 78s have scads of different equalization curves. Post 1955(ish) the industry standardized on the RIAA curve which is still followed today.

Here is a quick link to most all of the different curves used by the various recording companies over the years.
http://www.shellac.org/wams/wequal.html

I'm not trying to scare you off by any stretch. If you get a 78 player and appropriate cartridge and stylus, music will absolutely come out of the other end of the system. It just may not sound as great as it could when you apply the right equalization.


You can accomplish the proper equalization a few different ways. One, you could buy a dedicated 78 phonostage. There are several out there. Graham Slee and several others offer them though they can get really pricey, really quick. I have the Slee and it works quite well. But that isn't how I play mine back. I have a dedicated mono system just for 78s and it isn't overly expensive to put together.


 
What this is, is an old Stromberg Carlson SC420 amp (cira 1954ish), an old Altec 824 speaker and an old Dual 1210 with a Shure M78 cart and stylus.


Here is a closer look at the Stromberg (this is my spare amp). You can see that the Stromberg has a variable equalization curve that covers everything recorded prior to 1955.
  


This little system is serious fun. Forget about fidelity, though there are times on the right recording magic comes out of the speaker, this is just plain fun to listen to. It doesn't matter if its old blues, western, jazz or the pop stars of the day, its thoroughly pleasurable to listen to....4 minutes at a time. That system wouldn't cost more than $500 or so to assemble.

So, that would be my suggestion. Build a dedicated system. It doesn't cost much at all (in comparison) and doesn't take up much room either. No worries about speaker placement, expensive cables, soundstage or any of the 'audiophile' obsessions. It just plays music.


Good luck 

[daves]

Scott's S/C is a very good starter amp. The HH Scott 99c and 210c/d are also very good mono amps with all the required eq circuits. I have all kinds of vintage mono speakers that would float your boat. 

[brianmch]

Thanks Guys.  I appreciate the insight. Seems like there is plenty to think about. 

Did have a treat over the weekend though, my Dad played me a record on the Victrola he rebuilt.  Interesting playback head that kind of floated and wobbled along the top of the record.