[78-L] condition freak

[Ron Fial]

I notice the same thing.   Many 78s that sound poorly (no matter what 
turntable/needle/filter combination I) use sound amazingly better when played
on my Victor Orthophonic with a new steel needle.  An exception (ouch!) is modern electricals
with way more grove modulation than the acoustic reproducer can handle.

Why is this?  Is it the perfect fit of the steel needle in previously 'steeled' groves, perhaps 78-optimized 
acoustic filtering of the Orthophonic playback, or some other unknown effect?  

    Ron Fial
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>Phonoguy wrote:   I can still enjoy a record that is all greyed, cracked beat up and chipped 
by playing them on my old steel needle talking machines. I know everyone 
cringes when they hear someone sat "steel needle", but these are records that 
many would throw in the garbage because they are not in good condition.  You 
would be amazed at how good they sound with a steel needle...and the 
scratchiness just adds to my pleasure. When I find an excellent 78 I will not even 
play it on anything old or modern. I just look for a worn copy to play that 
you can pick up for 25 cents or so and enjoy that.  Be it E+ or junk... 78's 
can still be fun for all ears :):)  Henry