From: Tony:
As I've mentioned elsewhere, I have two 16-2/3 RPM records intended for the 1956 Imperial Columbia record-player - The Pajama Game and Davy Crockett. I have never heard them, so here's my request:
Who has a hardware setup that will allow these records to be played and taped onto audiocassette?
From Joe:
I have two records which I am going to tape. I have an early 70's Garrard turntable (automatic) which will play the 16rpm records and is still is excellent condition with the Shibata elliptical stylus (needle). I will try to get this done before I send the records to a member who wants them.
All the records which were available then were strictly monophonic, not stereo. It would be interesting to see if anyone still has record cutting equipment that could reproduce some modern copies to play on the Highway Hi-Fi units. I have a friend in West, TX who restores Juke boxes. I need to contact him and see if he knows someone who could make the 16rpm records.
From Henry:
I have a turntable attached to my computer that can handle any sized or speed disk, from 16 2/3 up to 16" 78rpm radio transcriptions. (I used it to transfer a "brand X" filmstrip and record set to M-JPEG and MPEG-1 video). The problem is that the Highway Hi-Fi records have an extremely small microgroove.
You'll note that, on the cover sleeve, Columbia warns not to attampt to play these records on a conventional turntable. After 23 years of looking for the Highway Hi-Fi disks, I'm afraid to try them out without confirmation that no damage will result.
On the other hand, in his autobiography "Maverick Inventor", Dr. Peter Goldmark commented that the 16-2/3 rpm speed was added to home audio equipment so that you could "take your Highway Hi-Fi records home" and play them.
From: Bob
There is probably a good reason to check on the specs required for either 33 1/3 or 16 2/3 records, although I used to play 16 2/3 "spoken word" records (from the Kaimuki Public Library) on my early '70's system without any concern. There's been an enormous evolution in needle/cartridge design from the 50's, still going on, but I haven't been keeping up. You might check with:
The Needle Doctor
800-229-0644
http://www.needledoctor.comwhich advertises in the "high-end" audio mags. I'd expect they could give accurate advice.
The record/needle interface is very "mechanical", with amazingly high forces working on very small areas - the wrong needle could rip through the vinyl and do irreparable damage.
