Re: [ARSCLIST] Playing Records Backward

[Jos Van Dyck <jos.van.dyck@xxxxx>]

Sirnailhead JR Superfly wrote:
>
>I'm interested in sorting out if playing records backward can damage ones
>phonograph equipment.
>It occurred to me that it might be interesting to record things backward
>and I'm curious if it will damage the needle or cartridge.
>
>If I play something backward for a relatively long period of time what kind
>of damage could I do.
>
>Out of curiosity I'd be interested to know what playing an LP backwards
>would do to the grooves and if it would cause long term damage that would
>affect it when played properly.  Thanks.

Dear Randy,

Modern DJ cartridges can withstand scratching, but it is no good thing to
permanently play records backwards.
I suggest you copy your records to a computer at normal speed, and do all
your effects in the digital domain.
There is a variety of digital DJ equipment on the market, and most sound
editing software will also do the job.

To play records (or stampers) backwards properly, you need a pickup arm
mounted the other way around, with an offset angle opposite to a regular
arm. Playing backwards with a regular arm is dangerous for the needle.
The cantilever is designed for pull forces, not to be pushed backwards;
risk of being plied or broken.

Jos Van Dyck
NGM Archiving Solutions