Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and for good reason. The sound quality is unmatched, and there’s something special about holding a physical record in your hands.
But if you’re new to the world of vinyl, you may be wondering how to actually play a record on a turntable. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it may seem.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, so you can enjoy your vinyl collection to the fullest. From gently pulling the record from its sleeve to adjusting the speed and lowering the tonearm, we’ve got you covered.
So sit back, relax, and let’s get started!
How To Play A Vinyl Record On A Turntable
Step 1: Gently Pull the Record from its Sleeve
The first step in playing a vinyl record is to gently pull it from its sleeve. It’s important to be careful not to touch the record grooves, as oils from your fingertips can dirty up the record. Always hold your records by the edges and label.
Step 2: Place the Record on the Platter
Place the record on the platter so that the spindle goes through the center hole of the record. Each side is labeled A & B (possibly C & D also if it’s a double LP).
Step 3: Adjust the Speed
Check the speed of your record. Most 12 inch LPs are 33 1/3 RPM and 7-inch singles are 45 RPM. However, there are exceptions, so check the center label where you’ll usually find the speed indicated. If the speed isn’t specified, then assume 33 or an LP and 45 for a single. Most record players and turntables have a simple switch somewhere on the plinth to adjust speed.
Step 4: Check the Cue Lever
If your record player has a cue lever for raising and lowering the tonearm, use it! Don’t attempt to raise and lower the tonearm on your records by hand if you don’t have to – you’ll undoubtedly risk scratching a record eventually.
Step 5: Position the Tonearm
With the cue lever set to the up position, slowly pivot the tonearm over to the edge of your record. Using your eye, look down to ensure that the stylus (or needle if you prefer) is hovering just inside the disc. You don’t want to aim too close to the edge, or the stylus will fail to catch the run-in groove and slip off the side.
Step 6: Lower the Tonearm
You can now use the cue lever to lower your stylus with the record spinning. The stylus will catch the groove, and music will start to play! Congratulations, you’ve successfully played a vinyl record on a turntable.
Gathering Your Equipment
Before you can start playing your vinyl record, you’ll need to gather some essential equipment. Firstly, you’ll need a turntable. It’s important to invest in a good quality turntable to ensure you get the most from your new hobby and avoid disappointment. Cheaper turntables can be a real headache when it comes to skipping, added wear on your records, and disappointing sound. A great option for beginners is the Pro-Ject Essential III, which has a 5-star rating from What HiFi and gets all the basics right. It’s designed to focus on high-quality key components where it matters, and even comes pre-fitted with a good quality phono cartridge – the Ortofon OM10.
In addition to a turntable, you’ll also need a pair of powered speakers or an amplifier and passive speakers to play the sound from your records. Make sure to choose speakers that are compatible with your turntable and produce high-quality sound.
You’ll also need some basic accessories such as an anti-static brush to clean your records before playing them, and a stylus force gauge to ensure that the stylus is set correctly on the record. These accessories will help protect your records and ensure that they sound their best.
Lastly, consider the space in which you’ll be playing your records. Records take up space, so make sure you have enough room for your turntable and speakers. If you have a small apartment or move frequently, it might be worth considering whether a vinyl collection is practical for you.
By gathering the right equipment, you’ll be able to play your vinyl records safely and confidently, while protecting your records and getting the best possible sound.
Preparing Your Vinyl Record
Before playing your vinyl record on a turntable, it’s important to prepare it properly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Keep Your Records Clean
Dust and dirt can easily accumulate on your records, which can affect the sound quality and cause damage to your stylus over time. It’s recommended to use a carbon fiber record brush before and after each playback to remove any dust or debris.
2. Handle Your Records with Care
Avoid touching the grooves of your records with your fingers, as oils from your skin can leave smudges and dirt on the surface. Hold your records by the edges and label to prevent any damage.
3. Store Your Records Properly
When not in use, store your records in their sleeves and upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid stacking them on top of each other, as this can cause warping and damage to the vinyl.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your vinyl records are in top condition and ready for an enjoyable listening experience on your turntable.
Setting Up Your Turntable
Before you can play a vinyl record on a turntable, you need to ensure that your turntable is set up correctly. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Find a Stable Surface
Place your turntable on a sturdy and stable surface. If the surface is not solid, it can produce unwanted vibrations that will affect the quality of your music. You can also use isolation feet or a platter mat to dampen any unwanted vibration.
Step 2: Balance the Tonearm
Balancing the tonearm is the trickiest and most crucial part of setting up your turntable. Follow the instructions provided by your turntable’s manufacturer to balance the tonearm correctly. Here are the basics:
– Attach the belt (if there is one), place the platter on the spindle, and attach the headshell.
– Install the counterweight on the back end of the tonearm, usually by screwing it on.
– Set the anti-skate dial (the small numbered wheel next to the tonearm) to 0.
– While gently supporting the headshell, move the tonearm into position above the platter.
– Adjust the counterweight at the back of the tonearm until the tonearm can float on its own, parallel to the surface of the platter. At this point, it has a tracking weight of 0g.
– Set the arm tracking weight dial to 0.
– Rotate the whole counterweight to the correct tracking force, which will be given in grams in the manufacturer’s instructions and varies according to the type of cartridge being used.
– Lock the tonearm back into its rest and adjust the anti-skate dial to match the tracking weight.
Step 3: Hook Up Your Cables
Check if your turntable comes with RCA or phono cables for hooking up to stereo speakers. If you’re using smaller all-in-one speakers, you might need to invest in a phono-to-3.5mm jack cable. Follow your turntable’s instructions for hooking up your cables correctly.
Step 4: Choose Your Speed
Make sure you select the correct speed for your record. Most 12-inch records play at 33 RPM, while most 7-inch discs play at 45 RPM. Some older 10-inch records play at 78 RPM, which only three-speed turntables can play.
Once you’ve set up your turntable correctly, you’re ready to start playing your vinyl records!
Adjusting The Speed And Tonearm
Adjusting the speed and tonearm is a crucial step in playing a vinyl record on a turntable. Before you start playing, make sure that you have adjusted the speed of your turntable to match the speed of the record. Most records will have the speed indicated on the label, but if it’s not specified, then assume 33 for an LP and 45 for a single.
Once you have set the speed, it’s time to adjust the tonearm. Balancing the tonearm is essential to ensure that the stylus tracks properly along the grooves of the record. First, set the anti-skate dial to 0, which will provide a small force to stop the tonearm from skating towards the center of the record. Move the tonearm into position above the platter while gently supporting the headshell. Adjust the counterweight at the back of the tonearm until it can float on its own parallel to the surface of the platter.
Next, set the arm tracking weight dial to 0 and rotate the counterweight to the correct tracking force, which will be given in grams in the manufacturer’s instructions and varies according to the type of cartridge being used. Lastly, lock the tonearm back into its rest and adjust the anti-skate dial to match the tracking weight.
It’s important to note that if you have a fully automatic turntable, then adjusting the tonearm won’t be necessary as it will return to its resting place on its own. However, it’s still important to check and adjust the speed of your turntable before playing any record.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your turntable is set up correctly and that your vinyl records will sound their best. Remember to always handle your records with care and use a cue lever to avoid scratching them when lowering or lifting the tonearm.
Placing The Record On The Turntable
Now that you’ve prepared your record player and selected your vinyl record, it’s time to place the record on the turntable. This step is crucial to ensure that the record is properly aligned and that the stylus can track the grooves accurately.
To begin, gently pull the record from its sleeve and hold it by the edges and label. Avoid touching the grooves with your fingers, as oils from your skin can damage the record and affect sound quality.
Next, place the record on the platter so that the spindle goes through the center hole of the record. Make sure that the label is facing up and that the record is centered on the platter. If your turntable has a centering guide, use it to ensure proper alignment.
Once the record is in place, adjust the speed of your turntable to match the speed of the record. Most records are labeled with their speed, but if not, assume 33 RPM for an LP and 45 RPM for a single. Use the switch on your turntable to adjust the speed accordingly.
Now it’s time to position the tonearm. If your turntable has a cue lever, use it to raise and lower the tonearm. With the cue lever in the up position, slowly pivot the tonearm over to the edge of your record. Make sure that the stylus (or needle) is hovering just inside the disc and not too close to the edge.
Finally, lower the tonearm using the cue lever while the record is spinning. The stylus will catch the groove, and music will start to play. Congratulations! You’ve successfully placed your vinyl record on your turntable and are ready to enjoy your favorite tunes.
Lowering The Tonearm And Playing The Record
One of the most important steps in playing a vinyl record is lowering the tonearm onto the record’s grooves. To do this, you’ll need to use the cueing lever, which is typically located near the tonearm on most record players and turntables.
To begin, disengage the cueing switch or lever by lowering it down. This will allow the tonearm to gently lower itself onto the record. You should hear a small clicking sound as the stylus engages with the grooves of the record.
If your record player doesn’t have a cueing switch, you’ll need to manually lower the tonearm onto the record. To do this, gently pivot the tonearm over to the edge of your record and slowly lower it down until the stylus engages with the grooves.
If you find that your tonearm isn’t lowering far enough to bring the stylus into proper contact with the record on the platter, there may be an issue with the tonearm bridge. In this case, look for an adjustment screw that can be tweaked to adjust the bridge’s height and solve this issue.
Once you’ve successfully lowered the tonearm and engaged the stylus with the grooves of your record, sit back and enjoy the music! Remember to always handle your records with care and use caution when handling delicate equipment like turntables and record players.
