Can I Use a Modern TT/Stylus to Transcribe 78 RPM Discs?

Hi there,
I have a few 78 RPM discs I'd like to transcribe. I do not have a 78 RPM turntable or stylus. Can I play it at say 45 or 33 RPM on my turntable, transfer it to my computer, and adjust the speed and do any equalization, etc? Will it damage the record or the stylus?

I have a Braun Atelier P1 TT and a Grado Prestige Red cartridge. I'd use a Conrad Johnson PV-1 preamp, which does have a mono switch.

Many thanks!
Bob (ZenArcher)

 

Thanks, Steve, I'll take that as definitive! Glad I asked before I tried.

Would it be as simple as purchasing a stylus/cartridge for 78s?

 

You can use a 78rpm stylus, feed it to the computer and speed correct it, but if you have a 78rpm compatible turntable, your job will be easier. It's best that you have a 78rpm compatible turntable.

 

iZotope's "Vinyl" plugin can easily do any speed correction though. www.izotope.com

 

There are a variety of stylii to consider as well. Places like KAB, Garage-A-Records, and Needle Doctor offer some choices, so dig around.

Here's a typical range of sizes for folks who use Stanton carts:

Custom Styli For Stanton 500 Cartridge

MODEL BEST USE
D-1.1C (Mono LP's)
D-1.3TE (Mono LP's & Transcriptions)
D-1.5TE (Mono LP's & Transcriptions)
D-2.0TE (Transcriptions & 78's)
D-2.3TE (Transcriptions & 78's)
D-2.5TE (Transcriptions & 78's)
D-2.8TE (78 RPM 1945 - 1960)
D-3.3TE (78 RPM 1930 - 1945)
D-3.5E (78 RPM 1900 - 1930 & Vert.)
D-3.7TE (78 RPM 1900 - 1930)
D-4.0TE (78 RPM 1900 - 1930)

above from http://www.kabusa.com/

 

I recently bought the 3.0 stylus for the 500 from KAB to go along with my 2.7, and much to my surprise it works really well and isn't terribly expensive...I'd start there if you already have a 500 body you can use.

 

See if there is a 78RPM replacement stylus for that Grado--they used to make one, IIRC. The stylus tip is much larger for 78s, which is why you can't use a standard cartridge for those new-fangled "microgroove" records.

For 78s I have a Shure M44 body with a 78RPM stylus insert (green).

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. A 78 stylus for my cartridge is not listed on the Grado site, but I have an email into them. I'll share the response here.

Cheer,
Bob