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Help in reducing distortion from old mono records.

I listen to some old historical classical recordings now and then and I recently picked up an old London LP in excellent condition from the early to mid 50's of Ernest Ansermet conducting Stravinsky.

I usually only buy the newer reissue LPs or CDs of these historical recordings because they don't distort nearly as bad as the originals, but being a big Ansermet fan and not having this recording, and knowing that these old London monos are really hard to find in this conditon, I couldn't resist.

The Fire Bird Suite on side A plays beautifully, but the Symphony of Psalms on side b, which is a choral work, distorts badly even at lower volumes. I've noticed that voices on Choral music distorts easily on these old mono records, and to a lesser extent on old stereo ones as well. I couldn't have asked for a better copy, so I know it's not the condition of the record causing this as I've heard this problem before on other records, even unplayed, still sealed ones.

What can I do to help reduce the distortion? Any stylus recommendations? Would getting a good quality mono only cartridge help? I've never owned a really high end turntable, but I've owned Rega and Project in the past and still suffered from excessive distortion on old records.

128x128chris_383
crem1
672 posts
 
Chris 383 : From your description , I suggest the issue maybe the speed set at the time the recording was pressed coupled with the fact that your record player does not allow for sufficient adjustment for speed variance. Many older Lps were not speed synk'ed to the standards of today. Perhaps that is why this recording is in such good condition (unplayable) . Should you have a friend that has an fully adjustable speed controller or a friendly audio dealer that has one set-up with a turntable give that a try . A few slight twists of the speed adjustment could straighten out the sound or not. Chances are the problem is in the pressing . All the best
electroid
283 posts
 
get a mono cart w/ the correct stylus for the type of record you are playing.

ET
johnss
291 posts
 
Chris, its possible the copy you bought was played by its previous owner who had a table and cart that did not track well, adn likely damaged the grooves. If that is the case, then your best bet is to look for another copy.

One thing you can try is to take your record cleaning solution and cut it 50% with Distilled water. Mix it well and let it soak for a few hours on the offending side. You'll have to come back every 10 min to add more fluid to keep the surface wet. After an hour or two of this use your VPI or nitty gritty to vacuum off the fluid. Let the record sit flat for a few days, then give it a play. This process will remove the junk from the groove walls that has been ground in, and may reduce the distortion somewhat. If you are referring to the Ansermet performance on London, I have the same London LP, and do not have the distortion issues mentioned.

Best

J
eweedhome
227 posts
 
I've gotten interested in some of the old mono classical records and noticed the same thing, occasionally. In 2 instances, I got 2nd copies of the same record, and found that the 2nd copy played much better. I talked to a couple of experienced dealers in old records, who were of the same view as Johnss--that the distorted-sounding records had probably been played with a problematic stylus years ago. But they also advised as does Electroid that if you're really serious about the old mono records, it pays to get a mono cartridge and stylus. I don't have room for one myself now, but it's on my list.
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