Shellac -vs- Vinyl

There are lots of variables when playing "records". One of the main ones is the difference between Shellac (organic coupound) and Vinyl (synthetic)... Both substances can deteriorate with time and wear from use.. As far as shellac goes:

You can play a 78 on a newer player and not wear a needle out too much to play your vinyl later. In my opinion, a vintage table top, school house type record player is better for playing 78s than a modern turntable unless you have one of the higher end turntables and a quality stylus. Most stylus have an LP side and a 78 side.

Playing a 78 on a Victrola likely does wear it out faster.

78 RPM records are differentiated by their production years. Records produced from 1900 to 1942 (before World War II) are designated "Pre-War" and 78s from the late 1940s through 1960 are designated "Post-War"

If you want the Victrola sound, only play your pre-war 78s on a crank phonograph.. The likelyhood is they have been there before.. Your post-war 78s will be hurt on a Victrola.. The pre-war 78s were built to destroy the needle. (the needles were built to submit)... Until you get to know which is post-war and which is pre-war then try to go by the size of the label. If the label is a little larger then it's OK to play.

I will play only late 1920s through 1930s 78s on my Victor Orthophonic players all the time.

I'll play about any pre-war 78 on about any Victrola but only occasionally.

I'm not scared to play my 78s on just about anything that's not junk.

While considering the value of your records and equipment and their subsequent wear, also consider the level of value received via your ear.

I'll offer my opinions on vinyl in a future blog.

Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug