I don’t understand Record Players/Turntables?
I have never used one in my life.
Can some one explain them to me.
What are the numbers like 33, 78, etc.
Are there different kinds of records?
Are records damaged when you like spin them like DJ's.
Can i buy one that plays old records but wont damage them if i spin them?
The main speeds on most turntables will be 33 (technically 33-1/3) and 45. These are the rpms, or how many times it spins the record around per minute. 78 rpm is generally only on very old records, so you don’t see that quite as often on turntables. In general a 12" record (generally an LP, although you will see singles released in this size format) are going to be 33 although 45 is also utilized in rare cases. A 7" will generally be 45, although if you collect hardcore punk 7" those are commonly 33 rpm so that they can squeeze as many songs as possible on a smaller record. Another format that is sometimes used is 10" and punk bands sometimes release this format to put out records (although if you see a really old one, it’s probably a 78). Also, there are records that are different colors than the standard black (and even clear ones!) and picture discs out there for the collectors out there. If you are going to spin or scratch record like a DJ, you need to get a slipmat that will allow the record to slide back and forth easier instead of the thick rubber mat that comes with most turntables. Also, make sure the turntable has a direct drive motor so that the record can start up quickly. The other option is a belt-drive motor which one would do if simply mixing records like techno or dance styles where scratching isn’t utilized as much. Another thing to consider is the arm of the turntable. If you are scratching, get a straight arm. If you are just playing and mixing records, any s-shaped or curved arm will be fine. Unfortunately, if you don’t scratch your records properly or use them heavily they will start to get damaged. If you are just going to listen to records around the house, just get a record cleaner at Radio Shack or somewhere like that so you can take any lint or dust off your records to play them. Also, you will want to get a stereo pre-amp if you are going to connect the turntable to modern stereo equipment. This is because the turntable operates at a lower frequency and just can’t be "plugged in" with the RCA cables (I believe you will get an annoying hum sound if you don’t do this.) And there is the little "grounding wire" that needs to be secured (you will see a little screw by your RCA inputs & that is what this is used for.)
the numbers refer to the speed at which the record player plays. Some records are designed to be played at 33 revolutions per minute, some at 28.
Records come in different speeds (see above) and different sizes.
Spinning them risks scratching the record and thus damaging it.
I doubt there is a model that allows spinning without damaging the record.