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1960s Record Players

A record player is a machine that plays sound from a vinyl record using a needle and spinning platter. Sound recordings and record player styles underwent changes in the 1960s, resulting in different types of turntables throughout the decade. Today, these various players can be found at estate and garage sales, antique stores and thrift shops but keep in mind that older record players may damage your records. Before you test out any vinyl on your 1960s record player, make sure that the player is in working order and the needle is clean.
  1. Monophonic Players

    • At the very beginning of the 1960s, monophonic record players were common in most households and dance halls. These turntables carried over in popularity from the 1950s and were generally low-priced, small and easy to use. Many styles were also portable. Monophonic turntables played monophonic records, which were recorded using one channel, giving the music a flat sound as compared to the more three-dimensional stereo sound.

    Stereo Players

    • The expensive, higher quality record players of the 1960s were known as stereo record players. Most records of the 1960s were produced using two-channel recording, which gave the music a layered, richer quality. These were known as stereo LPs, which could not be played on monophonic turntables. Consumers began turning to stereo turntables to play them and, as a result of the growing popularity, many record companies stopped manufacturing mono records as the 1960s progressed.

    Direct-Drive Turntables

    • Under the brand name Technics, Matsushita Electric introduced the first direct-drive turntable in 1969. This turntable, known as SP-10, was initially only offered to the professional audio market before going mainstream. Direct-drive record players consist of a connected motor beneath the center of the record platter that directly turns the platter without the use of a belt. Unlike belt-driven turntables, direct-drive players feature a quick-start system that allows the needle to be placed on the record before the player is switched on.

    Belt Drive Turntables

    • Before the direct-drive turntable was invented, a common type of turntable in the 1960s was the belt drive turntable. This record player consisted of a motor beneath and to the side of the record platter. This motor was connected to the platter by an elastic belt, which would turn the platter to the desired speed. With belt drive turntables, consumers had to place the needle down as the record was spinning, making it hard to eyeball spaces between songs. Also, the belts used in belt drive turntables had a tendency to stretch, warp or harden over time, forcing consumers to routinely replace old belts that lost tension and grip.


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