"Graying" is a common problem with old records usually attributed to playing with used needles. Records that were recorded with the singer close to the horn - which produces a nice, forward sound - appear to be more vulnerable.
My question is, does graying get worse if you play such records but make sure to use fresh needles? The blasting that occurs can make a record unlistenable when played on a modern turntable with a diamond stylus, but is often less pronounced when playing them on a Victrola
Question about record graying
(2 posts) (2 voices)-
Stan
MemberPosted 1 year ago # -
Joe Patterson
Member"Graying" is the result of serious wear due to repeated playing of loud passages, or playing with a worn needle, especially with a heavy reproducer such as old acoustical players. The "blasting" occurs as a result of higher frequency noise that is picked up by a modern player, and by the needle riding higher in the groove than with the old, heavy acoustical diaphragm reproducers. The damage is permanent, but the effect can be reduced in several ways:
1. Clean the record. Use a fine brush, use water sparingly, if at all, and dry off immediately and completely. Do not use any cleaner containing alcohol on shellac records EVER.
2. Use a modern player and a smaller diameter tip, such as 2.5 mils instead of 3 mils. It will ride lower in the groove where there is less damage.
3. Roll off the high frequency end of the response curve. The high frequencies don't exist on the older, acoustically recorded records, and all you will get at the high end is noise.Hope this helps!
Joe Patterson
Posted 1 month ago #
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