How to play a record with no electricity

October 2008 edit: To really play a record with no electricity whatsoever, please see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPWyTBUYolo

I have recently discovered this method. I always had an interest of vintage sound reproductions. I was fiddling with my records and makeshift horns and was plesently surprised that it can actually reproduce sounds!

The sound quality is not as superior as you can hear via electronic speakers, but hey, its only made out of paper! :P

The best records to play with are wider groove records- microgroove records doesnt tend to respont too well as the "needle" on the horn is wider than a microgroove. You may also want to try it on original 78's (they have even wider grooves) as those were originally played in a very similar way. I dont own a 78 so I never tried it.

It works best with stronger paper- about 100-120gsm(not card though). Also, you shouldnt press the needle too hard. The needle (and horn) will only last for several minutes before the needle gets blunt- this can only be used for several minute's fun. To be honest, needles in gramophones only lasts for one play anyways!

You know when the needle gets blunt as the sound quality/volume has reduced and sometimes the needle will fray out and ride on 2 grooves (listen carefully to the very end of the song!)

Next time you have a power cut, you may want to use this method (and turn the turntable by hand!) xD

The recording is Magic Moments by Perry Como. You can listen to it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5zarGeHKNU

Edit (22/1/2007): Since I made this video, theres a stream of "home made" record players appearing on youtube. :P

Category:

Music

Tags:

• homemade
• record
• player
• horn
• paper
• Perry
• Como

[JeffHendrie]

@rorystjohn999 I still use a Victrola at times. (early 1900s.)

[jamirosmajicrocks]

i use my homework for this.

[happymeltedcity]

This will come in handy after the apocalypse.

[lennartkns]

does it works for cd too? XD

[T3CHNOTURK]

FAIL !! how is the record turn then ?...."with electricity"

[CeruleanFilms]

Probably the one thing that Thomas Edison actually invented himself, and for that reason the one he was most proud of.

[thunderbird948]

how did you get the piont so sharp like that

[SargeantJLW1943]

I've always used a metal sewing needle. Never knew about metal scratching the record

[SqueakyNeb]

Electricity or not, that's a pretty neat trick.

[odiumhumanigeneri616]

that is so fucking cool

[hambone9119]

@jamestopoleski but i see your point good music is good music, but if a cassette cd or vinyl isnt avail then go mp3 by all means, ppl need to emabrace the old and the new in a system because its the best way.

[hambone9119]

@jamestopoleski The medium is important i doubt a cassette or cd could last 50 plus years im a HUGE johnny cash fan and an orinal vintage sun record sounds so dam am azing compared to the original recordings on cd, because when it is worn out and hasnt lasted, Vinyl last the test of time when looked after, im 24, i only hope some one looks after my vinyl when im gone, so Johnny cash can live on fore ever.