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Which stylus is correct for a Shellac LP

I found some older LPs which I believe are shellac (because they are stiff, not "bendy" like vinyl). Should I use the wider 78 stylus (3mm?), rather than a stylus typically used for LPs, (eg., .08?) because of the physical composition of the record? I’d rather know in advance than experiment and ruin a record, or a stylus.
128x128harrar10220
harrar10220's avatar
harrar10220 OP
4 posts
 
"The eye" is relative, (or at least mine is no longer that objective), but I take the reasonable explanations offered - thank you!  I only asked in the first place because I was always taught the rule of thumb: Stiff = Shellac and 'Bendy' = Vinyl.  I actually have a quite a few stiff LPs.  Do I now I have to worry about using a mono stylus for those playbacks instead of the 2 channel stylus I normally use? 
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atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,755 posts
 
There were 78s recorded with the 'microgroove' process. They are very much the exception! And they will say 'microgroove' on the label.
All LPs use the microgroove stylus as Elizabeth pointed out.
harrar10220's avatar
harrar10220 OP
4 posts
 
Not a "purist" - (I assume you mean a mono cartridge, etc., for mono LPs) - although I probably would be if I could afford to be.  I just want to protect the equipment and platters, and it sounds like I can proceed with what I have.  Thanks, again.  Micro-groovy!
pryso
1,927 posts
 
harrar, at the very least a mono switch may provide quieter playback with mono LPs if you can't afford a separate mono cartridge.

The value of this may be argued but not all "mono" cartridges are true mono, some may be strapped internally.  You can do that yourself if you have a second cartridge you may not use as much (instructions found online).  A second tonearm is not necessary either if you have an interchangeable headshell arm.
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