Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > July 2000 > 2000.07.10 > 18Prev  Next


Phonograph Turntable Speeds
By Terry Hathaway

This is in response to Roger Waring and his mention of 16 rpm
turntables in the Sun, 9 Jul 2000 MMD.

I once had a couple of professional Thorens (? I think) turntables,
circa late 1950's, that had 78, 45, 33 and 16 rpm speed options on the
speed selector knob.  I never had a use for the 16 rpm speed, although
I do seem to recall talking to someone at the time who was familiar
with 16 rpm recordings, but I can't remember who or anything much about
that long ago conversation.

I do remember being told that these 16 rpm transcriptions were limited,
maybe to voice (spoken, not singing), but I'm not certain anymore.
I do not recall ever seeing a consumer-grade turntable with the 16 rpm
speed, however.

So, Roger, your brain may indeed be playing tricks on you, but 16 rpm
turntables did exist as production items, at least for awhile.

Terry Hathaway
http://www.hathaworld.com/


(Message sent Mon 10 Jul 2000, 21:14:03 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Phonograph, Speeds, Turntable

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page