I have a different kind of question I’m hoping someone can help me with. Can any of you point me to a service that can make a digital file from a 78-rpm record?
After a close relative died recently, we uncovered something I didn’t know existed. Apparently, in 1953, my grandmother made a record. She is listed as the singer and there is an accompanist listed as well. It looks like something that was done for their personal use, maybe the only copy or one of only a few. Unfortunately, both she and my father have passed so there is no one to ask about it.
The disks are in pristine condition, but I don’t have a turntable that spins at 78 so I have no way to hear it. Needless to say, I’m curious. If for no other reason just to hear her voice from a few years before I was born. A digital copy would also allow me to share it with other members of the family who may be interested.
Given the nature of the question, I’ve posted it to more than one forum so you may see it elsewhere as well.
Thanks in advance for any help.
3 Likes
If this is in your skill set, record it into a computer at 45 rpm (assuming you have a turntable), and then adjust the speed upwards in a (free) program like Audacity.
This is not the very highest fidelity way to do it, but it would work.
Thanks for the suggestion. I do have a turntable but I’m looking for a higher fidelity copy. I should also add I have done the search on google and seen a number of options. I’m hoping to find someone who has experience with a good one.
1 Like
Vinyl Studio has the ability to record a 78 rpm record at 33 or 45 and correct the speed to 78 rpm when the file is created you can than either burn it to cd or play it from the storage device. You of course should use a stylus intended for 78 rmp playback when recording the file.
1 Like
I’ve made a lot (40+) transfers of home-made 78s from the early 1940s.
To do this I previopusly used a phonograph, a Califone model plugged into an ADC connected to a PC. Presently I have a dedicated 78 rpm capable turntable with a 78rpm style mono cartridge which does not have the motor vibrations of the Califone.
I’m sure a lot of others have done the same thing using various transcriptors. I am not aware of any particular service that does this.
I would be willing to transfer these for you if interested. PM me if so inclined.