Two Sided Needle.

[ras_gaks]

Ites!!

I got a record player with a two sided needle, 'M' and 'N'. Which side should i use to play 33s & 45s?

Help most appreciated.

[6anbatte]

That brings back memories. I used to have one, but it clearly stated the side to use for 78s.

Looking at Wikipedia it says;
"Typically, these early cartridges were of the "flip-over" type; the cartridge had a stylus on either side, one for 78 rpm discs, the other for 33 and 45 rpm ("microgroove") records."

So the "M" probably stands for "microgroove" so that's the side I'd use. (That's based on the theory that your deck plays 78s, of course. Mind you, I vaguely remember there being a 16 option).

If that isn't what it stands for (and I am jumping to conclusions here) you may be able to do a visual check as the the 33/45 stylus will be the thinner one (78 styli are about 3 times as thick - 3 mil diameter compared with 1 mil). Assuming you can see that sort of difference wih the naked eye, of course.

[ras_gaks]

Hi,,
i've looked at it again but its not indicated which side to use for 78s, its a 'STEREO SAPHIRE GP-240'
the 'M' is in red and 'N' in green,, if this sheds more light....

the theory of whether it plays 78s is right, it plays dem.
The diameter, my eyes can't tell the difference btwn the two...

[ras_gaks]

and yes,, its a 'flip-over' type.

[ACEtone]

Does it have an arm thing that you use to flip the needle around?
If so I remember those from when I was a kid. We didn't know any better and just thought you got two needles for the price of one...and I don't remember ever buying a new one!

The original gramophone needles were literally needles - really something like 1mm diameter spikes - looked like they would do more harm than good!

You might be better off though buying a direct drive DJ turntable with a proper tone arm (they're not very expensive these days) - I can't imagine the sound you'll get from such an old piece of audio gear would be that great - though at least being Stereo it is not completely ancient. Remeber the records you'll want to play are probably worth protecting from old badly set up audio gear!

Or I could be completely wrong and this record players of yours is a great piece of kit. I'm just imagining the horrible turntables we had when I was a kid. Record torturing instruments!

Or maybe you collect turntables and this is just another addition to your collection!

Also the Sapphire stylii are a softer material and wear out more quickly than a diamond stylus - or so I read somewhere...

[6anbatte]

Hi ras_gaks

Apologies for the delay in responding. The "flip-over" styli I had as a kid always had "78" embossed on the relevant side.
As I would just be guessing and I am not sure what damage using a 78 stylus on a 33/45 would do (and I assume it would as, for starters it is much wider) I would leave things alone until you definitely know for sure.

The person who is likely to know is AnorakTrev, but he is currently away on holiday.
Sorry, I can't be of any more help.

[6anbatte]

These people advertise "flip-over" styli so I would suggest contacting them.

**[KAB Electro Acoustics](http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/needbelt.htm)**

Incidentally, their site says;
""M" means needle is made for MANUAL professional type
turntable - has highest internal compliance."
Nothing about "N" though.

Although again it would point (to me anyway) that this is the 33/45 stylus as I can't see a 78 stylus being referred to in this manner. Again, I am just assuming here.

[bullit]

perhaps N stands for normal play, id be vary wary of putting a 78 needle onto a normal vinyl, i remember these being big chunky things capable of gauging a hole through your most prized vinyl

[ras_gaks]

Hi ras_gaks

Apologies for the delay in responding. The "flip-over" styli I had as a kid always had "78" embossed on the relevant side.
As I would just be guessing and I am not sure what damage using a 78 stylus on a 33/45 would do (and I assume it would as, for starters it is much wider) I would leave things alone until you definitely know for sure.

The person who is likely to know is AnorakTrev, but he is currently away on holiday.
Sorry, I can't be of any more help.

No Worries,,
i've put it back to the dusty corner i found it. Back to my cd's now,, though i loved to watch the vinyl rotate, esp lp's.

Be Blessed and Thanks for you help.

[ras_gaks]

Gauging holes?? You are scaring me... Anyway thanks.