I play lots of records acoustically, and don't get black dust on the needle; I'd stop immediately, if so (not counting dirt, which is another story). If your needle is grinding BLACK out of the grooves every time, your machine is in serious need of repair. However, I do not play records with the standard pre-1925 Victrola equipment, which had a terrible tracking angle. That might be your problem. (Exhibition or Victrola No.2 - both are pretty stiff) By the way, that diamond needle on your Victrola is certain to destroy your records.
As for Edison diamonds - they can become chipped without warning, and cut the heck out of your records. I've had to stop playing Blue Amberols, because I can't find a good diamond replacement. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Wright" <esrobe...@hotmail.com> > Maybe this is the place to finally find out whether my thoughts on playing > disc records on a phonograph are founded and based or just neurotic > phobias. > > If the man is worried enough about quality playback to worry about stylus > radii, why would anybody suggest he drag a 1-pound reproducer with what > amounts to a headless finishing nail in it through the grooves?!
