How to Play Records on a Record Player

Vinyl lives on, as more and more people learn to use and take care of their records.

With the reemergence of vinyl records, more and more people are dusting off their turntables to give their records another listen. Setting up your turntable to play is a relatively straightforward process.

Things You'll Need

• Turntable (connected to stereo)
• Vinyl Record

Instructions

1. Check to make sure that the turntable is connected to a stereo amplifier through the "Phono" input, and that the amplifier is set to the "Phono" channel.

2. Place your record of choice on the platter, aligning the hole in the center of the record with the spindle in the center of the turntable platter. The side of the record that you wish to listen to should be face up.

3. Check to make sure the turntable is set to the correct speed. Most full size records are 33 1/3 rpm, but some can be 45 rpm. The label will tell you this information. Adjust your turntable accordingly.

4. Lift the tonearm and move it above the record's surface. On some automatic turntables, this alone will cause the record to begin spinning.

5. Carefully place the needle down on the outside edge of the record. The grooves on the record's surface will catch the needle and sound will begin playing.

Tips & Warnings

• If your turntable is not an automatic turntable, and did not begin turning when the tonearm was moved, simply set the needle on the outside edge of the record first, and then press the Start/Stop button, usually located on the turntable deck, in one of the corners.

• A good practice to get into is to wipe down your record with a vinyl brush and some record cleaner after each play. This will keep dust from accumulating in the grooves and imposing permanent pops and clicks on your recording.

References

• Disco Music: How to Clean Analogue Vinyl