Can you play a 78 on a regular record player?
Sometimes, but usually not well. A 78 RPM record needs two things that a typical modern record player may not offer: a 78 RPM speed setting and a stylus suited to the wider grooves of older discs. Many entry-level players offer only 33 and 45 RPM. Some turntables do include a 78 setting, so check the manual or the speed selector on yours.
If your player has no 78 setting, playing a 78 at 33 or 45 RPM will give you slow, low-pitched sound and will not tell you anything useful about the record’s condition. If you are not sure which speed a disc needs, see our guide to the speed of vinyl records.
What you need to play 78s
A turntable with a 78 speed
The simplest route is a turntable that lists 78 RPM as a speed option. Check the specifications before buying, since many models stop at 33 and 45. Vintage players with several speeds, or variable-speed units, are another option, though older machines may need servicing.
A 78 stylus
Most 78s were cut with wider grooves than modern microgroove LPs and 45s. Manufacturers commonly describe a suitable 78 stylus as being around 2.5 to 3 mil in tip size, compared with roughly 0.7 mil for a standard stylus. Some cartridges have a replaceable stylus made for 78s, and some people keep a second headshell and cartridge set up just for shellac discs. Check your cartridge maker’s documentation for compatible 78 styli.
Why a standard stylus is a problem
A small stylus can sit too low in a wide groove and may ride the bottom of it, where dirt and wear tend to be. The result is often more noise, and it may add wear to the record. Because shellac is more brittle and abrasive than modern vinyl, it is also commonly said to wear styli faster. For these reasons many collectors use a dedicated 78 stylus rather than their regular one.
Setting up and playing step by step
- Confirm the record is a 78. Look at the label and any speed marking, and see the speed of vinyl records article for ways to tell.
- Inspect the disc for cracks, chips or flaking. Shellac discs are brittle.
- Clean the surface gently if needed, following our guide to cleaning 78 RPM records.
- Select the 78 speed and fit the 78 stylus. Follow your turntable and cartridge instructions for tracking force, since recommended settings vary.
- Place the record on the platter, lower the tonearm and listen. Stop if you hear scraping or see the record wobble badly.
Handling and condition tips
- Hold records by the edges and label.
- Keep them away from heat and store them upright, not stacked in heavy piles.
- Do not force a warped or cracked disc onto the platter.
- Be careful with records that are not shellac, such as lacquer or acetate discs, which can be fragile and may be damaged by repeated play.
Converting 78s to digital
Many people play 78s mainly to transfer them. A common approach is to connect the turntable, through a preamp where needed, to a computer and record the audio with audio software. Recording with a suitable 78 stylus generally gives a better starting point than trying to fix a poor transfer afterward. Equalization for older discs varied between labels, so some archivists adjust it by ear or with software, but a basic transfer is fine for casual listening.
Common problems
- Sound too fast or slow: the speed is wrong, or the turntable is not running at a true 78.
- Heavy surface noise: the record may be dirty or worn, or the stylus may be the wrong size.
- Skipping: check for cracks, warps and tracking force.
FAQ
What turntable can play 78 RPM records? One with a 78 RPM speed option, ideally paired with a stylus designed for 78s.
What is the best cartridge for playing 78s? There is no single answer. Look for a cartridge that offers a 78 stylus option from its manufacturer.
Can I convert my 78s to digital? Yes, by recording the turntable output to a computer, as described above.