QUESTION ON LP

Maybe it is an old laser disc?

If it is a "78", it is not an LP. LP stands for long-play which at 33.3 rpm provides more than 5 minutes playing time per side (most are 14 to 20 minutes and some examples exceed 20 minutes). 78s have a maximum playing time under 5 minutes. The modern (although still mono) LP was introduced by Columbia in 1948.

Size of the disc does not define the type either. LPs and 78s are found in both 10" and 12" versions.

So, since you state "It's not the normal type of 33 1/3 or 45 rpm" which we may assume means it sounds slow or dragged out, and the disc is heavier and thicker than a normal LP, it is most likely a 78 as others have suggested.

If you only have one of this type, it would be entirely your call whether to keep it or not, but don't expect you found something rare or valuable.

I am no expert on 78s but I worked at a record store for 5 years in the late 90's. We had very few 78s and most were classical. In fact if you go to most Half-Price Bookstores (assuming you have these in your area) you will find collections of classical 78s for literally a dime a dozen. Some swing records might be valuable but mostly blues, jazz, and old time country is what is worth the most.

If it isn't a 78 it is a mastewr test disc. A few are still around.

You might do some research on the specific 78 you have. Some titles are rather rare these days and it could be valuable. The odds of that probably aren't high, but it is worth checking out.

Noted the message and thanks a lot for your input.

Yap, Casey33.... What is a "Fountain Pen" ^_^

By the way..... I don't think I would get a 78 rpm turntable. Now... should I just kept the LP for it's "look" or just give it out to someone who "wants it"?

If someone reading this and is interesting on this old LP, just email me klaxrctp@hotmail.com and I will try to get you more detail info and pics for you.

Best wishes

I believe you are describing a 78 RPM record.An earlier form of record manufactured up to mid fifties.It is not made of metal,but hardened shellac.The turntable required must not only be capable of spinning it at 78 RPM,but must also be fitted with the proper stylus.The groove width is wider than the microgroove of 33 and 45 records.Some 78s made at home or in studios are metal discs with a coating of shellac which is grooved.These discs were supplied as blanks and a heated stylus cut the groove.Generally when you find these the titles are written in fountain pen on the label.Now if you are as young as I think you are the next question is "Fountain Pen?"

Sounds like you have an old 78 RPM record. You'll need a turntable that includes a 78 RPM speed (that was typically included on most consumer turntables from the 60's and before, and was still quite common into the 1970s.)

For best tracking, you'll also need a stylus designed for 78 RPM records. The grooves are not the same size as 33s and 45s and a typical phono cartridge stylus will ride too low in the groove of a 78.

Finally, the playback equalization curve was not standardized back in the days of the 78. For the most accurate playback you may need a phono preamp with an adjustable curve.

You may have a 78rpm.

Regards,

Rich