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

2 Victrolas & A Megaphone

Rich Hynes spins Barbecue Bob on Columbia and a Harlem Hamfats Decca 78 on his dual Victor VV-2-55 Victrolas

have harmonica, will travel.

Rich Hynes Is available for bass or chord harmonica session work.

Rich Hynes and his Hohner Bass Harmonica are available for sessions - Please send Rich a message for the details.

Charlie McCoy and Bo Chatman - Brunswick Records 78 "Corrine Corrina"

Chatman is credited with writing this much covered tune and this is considered to be the first recording of the song

‎''Sleepy'' John with Kazoo Band

Sleepy John Estes - Decca Records 78 - "I Wanta Tear It All The Time" on my old Victrola

Tampa Red & Georgia Tom - Vocalion Records 78 It's Tight Like That

Tampa Red with Georgia Tom a.k.a. Thomas A Dorsey (The Father of Gospel Music) doing a great old hokum song on a Vocalion Records 78 "It's Tight Like That" played on my old Victrola

Cliff Edwards/Ukelele Ike - Perfect Records 78 - I Want To Walk Again Blues

Some great hot jazz uke on my old Victrola