Are you new to the world of vinyl records? Do you want to learn how to play them correctly without damaging your precious collection?
Look no further! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of starting a record on a turntable step-by-step.
From taking the record out of its sleeve to placing the stylus on the vinyl, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get the best possible sound and protect your records.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, this guide will help you master the art of playing vinyl records with ease.
So, let’s get started!
How To Start A Record On A Turntable
To start a record on a turntable, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. First, take the record out of its sleeve by opening your palm and letting the disc slide out. Be sure to avoid touching the record as much as possible, and if you have to, hold the sides between your palms as though they were the parallel legs of the letter H.
Next, place the record on the turntable platter and start the turntable. Before playing the record, it’s important to clean it with an anti-static brush to remove any dust or debris that could cause damage or affect sound quality.
Use the cueing lever to raise the tonearm and move it across to the record. Line up the stylus with where you want to start playing the record and then gently lower the tonearm onto the outer grooves. You should hear a small clicking sound as the needle engages with the grooves.
It’s important to note that there are a few extra things to be aware of when using a turntable to play a record. For example, you’ll need some kind of speakers to play the music from your turntable. Your main choices are passive or powered speakers, which can be connected via speaker wire or directly plugged in.
Additionally, it’s important to choose the right cartridge for your turntable. Most new turntables come with cartridges, but if you plan to buy one separately, make sure to do your research on setting it up properly in terms of alignment and weight.
By following these simple steps and taking care of your equipment, you can safely play your vinyl records and enjoy the best possible sound quality. So go ahead and start spinning those records!
Preparing Your Turntable And Record
Before you start playing your record on a turntable, it’s important to prepare both the turntable and the record itself. This will not only ensure the best sound quality but also prevent any damage to your equipment.
First, make sure your turntable is set up properly. If you’re using a new turntable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and setup. If you’re using an older turntable, check that it’s in good condition and that all the components are working properly. This includes checking the belt, motor, tonearm, and stylus.
Next, it’s important to clean your record before playing it. Use an anti-static brush to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated on the surface of the record. This will not only improve sound quality but also prevent damage to your stylus.
Once your turntable and record are prepared, it’s time to start playing. Place the record on the platter and start the turntable. Use the cueing lever to raise the tonearm and move it across to where you want to start playing the record.
When you’re ready to play, gently lower the tonearm onto the outer grooves of the record. You should hear a small clicking sound as the needle engages with the grooves. It’s important to be gentle when lowering the tonearm to avoid damaging either the record or the stylus.
By taking these steps to prepare your turntable and record before playing, you can ensure that you get the best possible sound quality and avoid any damage to your equipment. So go ahead and enjoy your vinyl collection!
Removing The Record From Its Sleeve
Before you can start playing your vinyl record on a turntable, you need to remove it from its sleeve. This may seem like a simple task, but it’s important to handle the record correctly to avoid damaging it. First, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything. Then, carefully open the jacket and pull out the inner sleeve.
To remove the record from the inner sleeve, hold the sleeve upside down and let the record slide out into the open palm of your hand. Be careful not to touch the playing surface of the record with your fingers, as this can leave oil spots that may affect sound quality. Instead, use a finger to touch the label of the record while stabilizing it with your other hand.
It’s also important to avoid grabbing the record edge between two fingers, as this can leave greasy fingerprints on the run-in groove of the record and add noise over time. Instead, place your index, middle, and ring fingers on the center label of the record, and your thumb on the outer edge. Slowly and carefully pull the record out of the sleeve, making sure to avoid touching the playing surface.
By following these steps for removing a record from its sleeve, you can ensure that your vinyl records are handled with care and maintain their longevity and sound quality.
Inspecting The Record For Damage
Before playing a record on your turntable, it’s important to inspect the disc for any damage that could affect sound quality. One way to do this is by looking at the edge of the record. The start of each side is where the most significant damage can occur. If the previous owner wasn’t careful when placing the stylus on the record at the start of each play, then they may have caused some damage there. This will give you a heads up for the general condition of the disc.
Another way to inspect for damage is by visually examining the surface of the record. Look for any scratches, scuffs, or other imperfections that could affect sound quality. If you notice any damage, it’s best to avoid playing the record as it could cause further damage to your equipment.
It’s also important to clean your record before playing it to avoid any debris or dust that could cause damage or affect sound quality. Use an anti-static brush to gently remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the record.
By inspecting your record for damage and taking care of your equipment, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible sound quality from your vinyl collection.
Placing The Record On The Turntable
Placing a record on a turntable is a simple process, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid damaging the record or the turntable. First, make sure that your turntable is on a stable, level surface to prevent any tracking issues or unwanted vibrations.
Next, take the record out of its sleeve and hold it by the edges and label to avoid getting oils from your fingers on the grooves. Place the record on the platter so that the spindle goes through the center hole of the record. Be sure to check the label for the correct speed of your record, as most 12 inch LPs are 33 1/3 RPM and 7-inch singles are 45 RPM.
Once you’ve placed the record on the platter, use the cue lever to raise the tonearm and position it over the outermost groove of the record. Make sure that the stylus is hovering just inside the disc and not too close to the edge, or it will fail to catch the run-in groove and slip off the side.
When you’re ready to start playing, use the cue lever to lower your stylus onto the record while it’s spinning. You should hear a small clicking sound as the needle engages with the grooves. If your turntable does not have a cue lever, you can manually lift and lower the tonearm using your fingers while making sure that the cueing lever is up.
By following these simple steps, you can safely and easily place a record on your turntable and enjoy high-quality sound from your vinyl collection. Remember to take care of your equipment and keep it clean to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Setting The Turntable Speed
One of the most important aspects of playing a record on a turntable is setting the speed correctly. If the speed is too slow or too fast, it can affect the pitch and sound quality of the music.
To set the turntable speed, you’ll need to locate the adjustment screws or potentiometer screw on your particular model. These can usually be found under the platter or on the bottom of the device. Turning the screws clockwise will cause the platter to rotate faster, while turning them counterclockwise will slow it down.
It’s important to make adjustments slowly and test the speed after each turn to ensure that you don’t accidentally turn 33 1/3 into 333 1/3 RPM! Some turntables may also have surface knobs or holes that allow you to make adjustments from the top of the deck, but most adjust from underneath.
Before making any adjustments, be sure to check that your turntable is level and stable. You can block it up on wood or between two tables so that you’re able to get in underneath.
If you have an older turntable without easily accessible pitch controls, adjusting the speed may be more difficult and require taking apart the turntable. In some cases, there may be nothing you can do if your old unit goes out of pitch, and you may need to replace the motor or consider upgrading to a more modern turntable.
