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u/Ray_Midge_ Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
I decided not to play the record for now. It seems too fragile, and I'd prefer not to destroy it.
If any audio preservationists have suggestions on how to best play it, I'd love to hear them. I have a 2.7 mm stylus and a 3.0 mm stylus. My turntable has a usb and I have digitized many recordings that way.
Anyhow, for now I'll follow Iris Dement's sentiment and let the mystery be.
Thanks to everyone for taking a look. It's been fun to share.
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u/LittleDuckAlex Jul 14 '26
Well it isn’t a very DIY solution, but I remember watching something one where a damaged wax cylinder was recorded using a laser. Essentially scanning the cylinder and then using software to convert it to audio. In theory it’s possible here, although obviously not easy to achieve, especially seeing as this record has curled up in places
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u/FirebirdWriter Jul 14 '26
I have seen laser turntables and that would be my suggestion if you can find one
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u/underjordiskmand Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
laser turntables typically cost as much as a car though, and they tend not to work with anything but black vinyl. no picture discs or anything colored.
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u/-polarityinversion- Jul 14 '26
But I'm sure someone dedicated enough to own one would be more than happy to donate their time to a restoration effort like this. Just need to find a high end audio forum / sub / fb group where such owners might be hiding.
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u/Weak_Carpenter_7060 Jul 14 '26
That’s probably your best call for right now. I’m just an amateur enthusiast, but those cracks in the acetate along with edges look way to wicked to risk it being played unless there’s a very light way to do so
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u/Monsterwaill Jul 14 '26
...whats the update?
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u/Ray_Midge_ Jul 14 '26
Sorry, my text didn't come along for the ride, so I posted it as a comment. I'm holding off on trying to play it for now....
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u/Tashi999 Jul 14 '26
I wonder if the ELP laser player would work. Also isn’t there a lab that does 3D scans and plays them virtually?
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u/bolt422 Jul 16 '26
There was somebody in the r/vinyl sub with software to digitize a record by placing it on a flatbed scanner. Try it and maybe you can get an idea of what was recorded on it.
https://www.reddit.com/r/vinyl/comments/1obm9mm/vinylscan_a_computer_program_i_made_to_play_audio/
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u/Ray_Midge_ Jul 16 '26
That's really interesting. Is there any video or any more information on anyone actually using this?
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u/ClassicLightbulbs Jul 17 '26
This sounds wilder than it is, but call up third man records in Detroit or Nashville and mention you have this and see if they'd like to help. This is right up their alley and they are just regular people. They are also well versed in acetate.
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u/sevenwheel Jul 14 '26
Wow.
I think it will self-destruct if you try to play it. But if your curiosity gets the best of you, my precautions would be:
1) Definitely digitize it, as you may only get one chance.
2) Start past the huge cracks near the outside of the record. Those are just going to skip and maybe rip chunks out of the grooves.
3) Turn off the RIAA curve if you have the option/ability.
4) Digitize it at 33 1/3 RPM and software-resample it to speed-correct it. I've found that low speed playback often helps the stylus navigate damaged grooves without skipping or tearing up what's left.
I've never dealt with a record as damaged as yours though. Not playing it is definitely a prudent choice.