Replacing Astatic B cartridge

Scott,,
The 51 is no longer made (you still might find one--make sure it's good !) --the P-51 is the current replacement, and it does require a lighter tracking pressure--yep, good , if achievable on your phono ?? Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:Hi Eddie,
I don't understand your point--the "51" is the same cartridge, no mater which "dash" (-) number needle is used ! The-1, -2,-3 only serve to indicate the size (thickness) of the needle, ORIGINALLY installed, by the factory, in the 51cartridge. The size you choose, should be determined by the records you are playing-- basically, if pre WW 2, use a -3, if later, 78's, use a -2, and if "microgroove",or 45 rpm, (mono ONLY) use a dash 1. Ron Rich

The reason I said what I said..I am very aware of the cartridge number vs needle(stylus) number. The 51 cartridge is still available and cheap. As for stylus size....most people aren't schooled in the difference in early 78s vs Microgroove records. Most people tend to buy records they like. A lot of people like later, rather than earlier stuff. A lot of what people "like" will be on microgroove and the 3 mil stylus is too wide for the grooves. There is a slight compromise when playing an earlier record with the 2 mil stylus, but most people will not notice any difference. So..they you go.

eddie wrote:most people aren't schooled in the difference in early 78s vs Microgroove records. Most people tend to buy records they like. A lot of people like later, rather than earlier stuff. A lot of what people "like" will be on microgroove and the 3 mil stylus is too wide for the grooves. There is a slight compromise when playing an earlier record with the 2 mil stylus, but most people will not notice any difference. So..they you go.

I am one of those people who are not schooled in the difference between early 78's and microgroove records.
When did they change and how do I tell the difference?
Is there a good reference online to educate me? I will be playing mostly 1930's records.

READ, all the earlier posts above--that's all the "schooling" whut U need !
Ron Rich

Polaraligned wrote: I will be playing mostly 1930's records.

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Then use a 3 mil stylus.

Thank you MattTech.

The Microgroove record was introduced in the late 40s. It is basically like any LP or 45. At that time, machines that played 78's were still dominate. They made the "new" records with the microgroove. If you see the records side by side, it is easy to see the difference. The old 78s are thick and stiff. the microgroove records are thinner, lighter and somewhat flexible. Shiny too. You an see the difference easily in the groove width. Because of the limitations on the song length because of groove width, older 78s are shorter records. If you see a re-issue of an old record on microgroove, you will notice the cutoff area is very wide. If you play microgroove records with a 3 mil stylus, you will damage the record in short order. You will damage it with a 2 mil to an extent, but it is a compromise. So playing 30s music "most" of the time isn't a real good reason for going with a 3 mil needle. If you EVER intend to play a newer record, go with a 2 mil.

Great answer Eddie !!
So if I stick with a 2 mil needle, then it sounds like I need not worry about what era the record was produced in.