What Is A Turntable?

Struggling with understanding what a turntable is and how it fits into the world of music playback?

In this blog, we demystify the concept of the turntable, an iconic piece of audio equipment integral to the vinyl record experience. We delve into its components, functionality, and the role it plays in converting the grooves of a vinyl record into audible sound. From the traditional manual turntables revered by purists to the modern automatic models equipped with advanced features, we explore the various types of turntables available, including options that cater to different preferences, whether for home listening or DJing.

With over 20 years of experience in the realm of audio equipment and vinyl culture, we’ve enlightened countless music fans, from those newly interested in vinyl to seasoned record collectors, about the intricacies of turntables. Our journey has not only involved exploring the technical aspects of turntables but also experiencing their evolution and how they contribute to the music-listening experience. Whether you’re curious about starting your own vinyl collection or looking to understand the technology behind this classic music player, our guide provides clear, comprehensive insights into what a turntable is, its importance in music history, and its enduring appeal in the digital age.

Turntables are generally classified into three main categories: belt-driven, direct-drive, and cartridge-driven.

Belt-Driven Turntables

Turntables like these are relatively inexpensive, so they are the most popular. An electric motor that spins a belt drives the device. As the belt rotates, it pushes against the platter, which causes the platter to spin.

The advantage of belt drives is that they are very quiet. However, they do have a few drawbacks as well. First, they tend to be less durable than other models. Second, they are prone to skipping, which is why they are often referred to as “belt-and-brass” machines. Finally, they don’t hold up well over time.

Direct Drive Turntables

The second category of turntables includes those that use a direct drive mechanism. Instead of spinning a belt, these turntables rely on a metal armature that spins around a central spindle. This design makes them quieter than their belt counterparts, but it also makes them more expensive.

Cartridge-driven turntables

Cartridge drives are similar to direct drives except that instead of having a metal armature, they have a small plastic armature. These are commonly known as tonearms. Tonearms are much cheaper than direct drives, but they aren’t nearly as reliable.

Portable Turntables

Some turntables are designed specifically for portability. For example, some people like to take their turntable with them when they travel. Others prefer to leave theirs at home and bring along their music collection. Either way, there are plenty of portable turntables available.

Turntable History

  • Thomas Edison invented the turntable in 1877. The sound a spinning top makes inspired him. After he discovered how to make a machine that could reproduce this sound, he began working on other inventions related to music reproduction.
  • A metal base later took the place of the wooden base that Thomas Edison had originally used for his turntable. The original design included a belt drive system, which allowed the turntable to spin at speeds of up to 1,200 revolutions per minute.
  • He patented his first turntable in 1878. However, due to legal issues surrounding the patent, he did not begin manufacturing the turntable until 1881. At that point, he began selling the turntable under the name “Edison Phonograph.”
  • His second model of the turntable was released in 1886. It featured a direct drive mechanism, which meant that the turntable would spin at a constant speed regardless of what was being played.
  • In 1888, Edison introduced another version of his turntable. This model was designed to play both 78 rpm records and 33⅓ rpm records.
  • It was sold under the brand name “Tin Plate” because its platter was made of tin.
  • The third model of turntable came out in 1890. It was the first turntable to feature a belt drive system.
  • In 1893, Edison licensed the rights to manufacture his turntable to Columbia Records. They manufactured the turntable under their own label, “Columbia Gramophone Company.”.
  • In 1895, Edison introduced yet another model of a turntable. This new model was smaller and lighter than previous models. It weighed just over four pounds.
  • By 1900, the popularity of phonographs was waning. Many people now prefer listening to records instead of having to listen to loud noises coming from a speaker. This led to the decline of the turntable market.
  • However, during World War I, many soldiers were stationed overseas. Soldiers needed something to keep them entertained while they were away from home. This led to a surge in demand for phonographs.
  • During the 1920s, the turntable became more popular again. This was largely due to the introduction of radio. People wanted to hear the sounds coming from the radio without having to crank the volume all the way up.
  • During the 1930s, the turntablist became a popular figure in American culture. Musicians like James Brown and Chuck Berry used the turntable to create innovative rhythms.
  • During World War II, the turntable continued to be used as an important part of military life. Soldiers needed a reliable way to record messages onto magnetic tape.
  • After the war, the turntable remained popular with musicians. Rock ‘n’ roll bands like Elvis Presley and Little Richard performed live shows where they would perform songs while spinning vinyl records.
  • During the 1950s, turntables became even more popular. This was largely due to the invention of the 45 rpm record. With this new format, it was possible to fit more songs on one side of a single disc.
  • This led to the rise of the DJ. DJs could mix multiple songs together on a single turntable. These DJs were often called “mixers,” since they mixed different songs together.
  • Turntablism began to have an impact on hip-hop in the 1960s as a result of the innovative beats made by artists like Grandmaster Flash and Run DMC using turntables.
  • Turntablism grew in popularity in the 1970s. Disco music was more popular, and this led to longer drum breaks in disco tracks.
  • Compact discs made it possible for people to store thousands of songs on a single CD during the 1980s, which caused turntables to become less popular.
  • There are still many people who opt to purchase CDs or MP3 files instead of turntables today. The turntable is still very popular.

You should choose a turntable that can be used anywhere and that is lightweight. You also need something that can be stored and transported easily. Foldable stands and cases are available.

If you decide to leave your turntable behind, then you should look for something that can withstand being left outside in extreme temperatures. It is important to make sure that your turntable has a sturdy base so that it doesn’t tip over or get damaged if someone kicks it.

It may also be a good idea to invest in a turntable that comes with its own carrying case. This will be a big help in protecting your investment and keeping it safe while in transit.

David Grik, a celebrated turntable expert and audio reviewer, brings over 15 years of experience in sound engineering and vinyl technology. An MIT alum, his insights and reviews guide enthusiasts in the world of high-quality audio. You can learn more on the About Us page.

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