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.
Few people are aware that the first disc music players were in use as early as the mid eighteenth century. They were essentially music boxes that used a disc with raised grooves striking against strings inside the box. They had no needle, and generally played operatic type of music. It was not uncommon for people to own several discs with different songs on them.
Much like the first record players that used vinyl records, these music boxes had to be cranked by hand. The mechanics behind them was very similar to a windup toy one might buy for their children. As electricity became available to the average household, electric record players were introduced. These first electric phonographs were encased in a large piece of furniture.
The fact is, these record players were widely popular long before television was even invented. People had their radios to sit around and listen to shows like The Shadow. The ability to play their favorite music at will resulted in the vinyl record becoming a favorite among housewives who enjoyed listening to music while they did their household chores.
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.
The needle which one can purchase through online merchants or music stores is frequently made of diamond. However, bone, ivory, and other semi-precious stones have been used in the past. The material must be hard and rigid, and should be very carefully set upon the vinyl record to prevent scratches.
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.
Few people are aware that the first disc music players were in use as early as the mid eighteenth century. They were essentially music boxes that used a disc with raised grooves striking against strings inside the box. They had no needle, and generally played operatic type of music. It was not uncommon for people to own several discs with different songs on them.
Much like the first record players that used vinyl records, these music boxes had to be cranked by hand. The mechanics behind them was very similar to a windup toy one might buy for their children. As electricity became available to the average household, electric record players were introduced. These first electric phonographs were encased in a large piece of furniture.
The fact is, these record players were widely popular long before television was even invented. People had their radios to sit around and listen to shows like The Shadow. The ability to play their favorite music at will resulted in the vinyl record becoming a favorite among housewives who enjoyed listening to music while they did their household chores.
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.
The needle which one can purchase through online merchants or music stores is frequently made of diamond. However, bone, ivory, and other semi-precious stones have been used in the past. The material must be hard and rigid, and should be very carefully set upon the vinyl record to prevent scratches.
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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