Thursday, September 13, 2012

A Short History Of Phonograph Needles

By Chloe Gib


With the prevalence of compact disc technology and MP3 players, many young people have never even seen phonograph needles. For many, the old record players are unnecessary. However, collectors still love their vinyl records and the old-fashioned record players that play them.

The first turntables were basic music boxes created in the eighteenth century. They had a disc with raised grooves on the surface which hit strings as the turntable spun. These music boxes did not have a needle, and they played primarily opera and classical music. It was the first time people were able to play music at home without having to actually play the instrument.

Those original music players had to be cranked just like the first vinyl record-playing turntables did later. This design performed much the way a wind-up toy does. With the popularity of electricity, the electric record player came into being. Some of these first electric players were encased within a piece of furniture which was a center piece of many living rooms.

These electric players were introduced long before television sets were prevalent in homes. The radio was still the primary source of entertainment for most people, and there were many shows played on the radio for entertainment. However, being able to play favored music at will was a great boon to housewives who were able to enjoy music while doing housework.

For record collectors who wish to refurbish an old record player, there are many parts and accessories available online. The needle hooks into a turntable cartridge, which then connects to an arm. This arm is brought out and rested onto the record as it spins, making the music play.

Music stores are another location where a needle can be located to fix up a record player. Many of them are made with diamond tips. Some of the original parts were made from stone, ivory, or bone, Because the needle is made from such a hard material, it must be placed gingerly upon the record to avoid scratching it.

This potential for scratches was a great drawback to the vinyl records. With such a hard surface scratching the vinyl, the slightest nudge or thud could cause it to skip across the record and pretty much ruin it. Anything from dropping a heavy object to children running through the house could cause both the needle and the vinyl to be damaged. Additionally, these vinyl records are easily warped by heat and sun.




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