This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Eric McClure is an editing fellow at wikiHow where he has been editing, researching, and creating content since 2019. A former educator and poet, his work has appeared in Carcinogenic Poetry, Shot Glass Journal, Prairie Margins, and The Rusty Nail. His digital chapbook, The Internet, was also published in TL;DR Magazine. He was the winner of the Paul Carroll award for outstanding achievement in creative writing in 2014, and he was a featured reader at the Poetry Foundation’s Open Door Reading Series in 2015. Eric holds a BA in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and an MEd in secondary education from DePaul University. There are a few good options that are equipped with top of the line components and a durable design to ensure your record player lasts a long time. I recommend this model from 1byOne. Flip the switch to cause the platter to start spinning. The controls vary from model to model, but most have a switch to engage or disengage the motor that drives the platter.

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The platter, also confusingly referred to as the turntable, is one component that every record player shares. It holds the vinyl records and spins them at a consistent speed. Understanding the different speed options for your record player, and the different types of discs, is also important. If you don’t know how to properly use a record player, make sure you’re familiar with all the different controls and components of your turntable, before you begin playing your records. Reading the user’s manual from cover to cover is the best thing you can do to familiarize you with the different controls and how they can impact your playing experience.

The majority of the time you’ll probably listen to full length albums, which measure twelve inches in diameter. These records are designed to spin at 33 1/3, which is the default setting for most turntables.

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Most models come equipped with a plastic dust cover that protects the platter and other components from dust, dirt, and any other type of debris that could cause record player skipping and impact performance. If you own a model with a hinged cover, raise the cover to place the record on the platter, then lower it again as your record spins. Combining a range of functions with an appealing look and operation, this floor standing Bluetooth Jukebox is ideal for house parties and small gatherings. Offering an easy to read LCD display and an included AUX cable, this jukebox lets you simply connect to one or multiple devices via Bluetooth, while a full function remote control lets you to control your music even when you’re away from the main unit. The Jukebox is complete with two 10 W speakers, which reproduce your music clearly and colour-changing LED lights, which create a distinct visual effect when in use, making the jukebox versatile. Add some retro fun to your home – the ItekJukebox I60021 Wireless Hi-Fi Systemfeatures a 50s / 60s-themed design that evokes the magic of an old-fashioned diner.I had a loose connection that caused the same exact thing. However, if I remounted it, meaning the front needle assembly, then it would work o.k. Many new models don’t even come with a 78 RPM speed option. They just couldn’t hold a lot of music. Traditionally you could not just plug your 'record player' into speakers and get sound out. These days it is possible with the right gear. Records are designed to play at a few different speeds; 78, 45, and 33 1/3 RPM. The speeds are measured based on the number of rotations the record will make per minute. This is referred to as rotations per minute, or simply RPM.

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Next we will answer some common questions on playing record players. If you have any additional questions, please ask them in the comments below. Cleaning the needle can also have an impact on sound quality. A dirty needle can make your records sound terrible. There are plenty of brushes and products to choose from that are specifically designed to clean the needles on your record player. Make sure you always carefully follow the steps I’ve included here to operate your turntable properly. While it may seem like a lengthy process, it is worth it, because it can lengthen the lifespan of your turntable. Other models have a cue leveler which is used to lower and raise the arm. If your model doesn’t have a cue switch, then lift the tonearm off the rest and put your finger under the handle. Set your stylus aside after removing it by placing it upside down on a clean towel to keep it safe.If you have a cover that isn’t hinged, then place it somewhere until you’re done playing vinyl. This type of cover should not be placed on the turntable when you’re playing a record because it can damage the vinyl. Some models have an additional dust cover, that’s specifically designed for the platter. These covers are made out of felt and fit perfectly over the platter. They are designed to provide further protection against dust. Remove this cover and place it on a clean surface. This was bought for a birthday present. The vinyl quality is really good. Has radio and Bluetooth with a cd player the sound quality is really good. It is a nice piece of furniture for our livingroom. If your model has a cueing lever, then you can simply push the tonearm into place using your fingers. The tonearm will stay hovering above the vinyl until you disengage the lever or switch.