Tips In Taking Care Of Record Player Needles

By Deborah Hill


A record player is an apparatus for reproducing sounds from a phonograph record disc that is being spun by the turntable at a constant speed. The sound is reproduced by the vibrations picked up by the stylus or needle in the grooves of the vinyl. These vibrations are converted into electric currents and amplified for the loudspeakers to reproduce the sounds.

Their parts are needed to be changed regularly because they will wear out by constantly using them. This is true specially for record player needles due to the friction made when it runs along the grooves. The following are some of the best ways in taking advantage of your phonograph and having it produces quality sound.

Setting up the player would require an amplifier and speakers but speakers with an amplifier built inside them are already available so they can be used instead. Set the position of speakers according to which side they must be placed and put enough space in between the wall and speakers. Sit them on a foam when placing them on hard surfaces for the vibrations to be absorbed.

Buying second hand vinyl records are better due to them being cheaper compared to brand new specially those in vintage markets, garage sales and charity shops. Clean thoroughly your records for the greatest sounding music to be possible when being played. Cleaning machines are available but cheaper alternatives are also available.

When the player is not being used, the dust cover should be down to keep it clean. Though when using it, you can either have it down or off depending on your preference. Having it down may make the sound resonate with the cover so the sound quality will be different when it is taken off so try which one you like best.

Platter mats are disc shaped materials sitting between the player and vinyl which is commonly made of felt. The vibrations are absorbed by it and holds the record steadily in improving sound quality. Materials made of felt are the most common because they are the ones included with the player but rubber and cork are better at reducing vibrations and static.

The needle is being housed in the cartridge which is replaceable because of dust and debris could wear down the needle. Playing regularly the records would require annual cartridge replacement to keep its excellent condition. Consider upgrading the cartridge to improve it further instead of regularly replacing it.

The tracking force is the weight the cartridge has set on the vinyl which could be changed by the counterweight at the end of tonearm being turned. Guidelines are available online or included in the product with suggested tracking force of the cartridge. Too heavy weight would make the music dull while too light would make it thin.

Make sure you have enough space where you can put your player as they tend to be bulky. It is also important to place them where there are lesser vibrations produced. These can cause the needle to jump and skip when playing.




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