Playing 78 RPM Records: What Your Turntable Needs

What makes 78 RPM records different

78 RPM records, often simply called 78s, were the standard format for music from the late 19th century through the 1950s. Unlike modern LPs, which are pressed on vinyl, most 78s are made from a shellac-based compound that is harder and more brittle. The Library of Congress's preservation guidance specifically groups 78s with other grooved discs, noting they need careful handling and storage.

The most obvious difference is the speed: 78s spin much faster than the 33 1/3 RPM used for LPs and the 45 RPM used for singles. The Library of Congress mentions 78s, 45s, and LPs as separate grooved disc formats, so they are distinct. This faster rotation means a standard turntable without a 78 setting will play the record at the wrong pitch and speed. For a deeper dive into speed standards, see our turntable speeds guide.

The 78 speed setting

To play a 78, your turntable must have a speed selector that includes the 78 position. Many budget turntables made today only offer 33 and 45 RPM, because those are the speeds used for modern records. The Library of Congress's care page does not specify how to switch speeds, but it does acknowledge 78s as a distinct format that requires proper playback equipment.

If you own 78s, look for a turntable with a three-speed switch or a way to adjust the speed digitally. Some models allow you to swap the pulley or use an electronic speed adjustment. The 33/45 switch guide explains how speed selection works, and the speed accuracy article covers why precise rotation matters for pitch.

• Check the speed selector: it should have a position labeled 78 or a manual override.
• If you are unsure whether a turntable supports 78, read the manual or spec sheet.
• For 78s, pitch accuracy matters, so consider a model with a speed adjustment control if possible.

A stylus for wider grooves

The grooves on a 78 record are wider and shallower than the microgrooves on a standard LP. Playing a 78 with a stylus meant for LPs will cause poor sound quality and can even damage the disc. You need a stylus specifically shaped for 78s, typically with a larger tip radius. This is not a standard part of most turntables, so you'll need a cartridge or stylus that can be replaced.

Some turntables ship with a dedicated 78 stylus that you can swap in, while others require you to purchase one separately. Our cartridge stylus shapes comparison explains how stylus geometry affects playback, and the stylus replacement guide covers the swap process. If you plan to play 78s regularly, look for a turntable that allows easy stylus changes.

Equalization: not the RIAA curve

Modern phono preamps apply the RIAA equalization curve, which was standardized in the 1950s to give a flat frequency response from vinyl records. 78s were recorded before that standard, and each label often used its own equalization curve. If you play a 78 through a preamp that only applies the RIAA curve, the sound will be tinny or boomy depending on the original recording's curve.

To get decent audio from 78s, you have a few options. Some phono preamps include an adjustable EQ mode specifically for 78s. Others let you bypass the RIAA curve entirely, so you can apply corrective EQ in software if you are digitizing. If your system lacks these options, you can use the tone controls on your amplifier to approximate the right balance, though it will not be exact. Our phono preamp vs receiver phono input and built-in vs external preamp articles explain the signal chain and EQ options.

Turntable features for 78 playback

When shopping for a turntable that can handle 78s, focus on three things: a 78 speed setting, a replaceable stylus (or a dedicated 78 cartridge), and an adjustable phono preamp or the ability to bypass the preamp. Many entry-level models omit at least one of these. The buying guides below list turntables in various price tiers; look for ones that explicitly mention 78 speed.

If you already have a turntable that only plays 33 and 45, you may still be able to play 78s by adding a separate 78-compatible cartridge and an external preamp with EQ adjustments. However, if the turntable motor cannot reach 78 RPM due to belt/pulley design, that route is not possible. For budget options, our best budget turntables guide is a good starting point.

Caring for shellac 78s

The Library of Congress offers specific guidance for grooved discs like 78s. Handle them by the edge and label only, never touch the playing surface. Store them upright on a sturdy shelf with dividers every 4-6 inches, and keep them away from heat sources and direct sunlight. A cool, dry environment (around room temperature) is ideal for home collections.

If you need to clean a 78, use a can of compressed air to blow away dust, as recommended by the Library of Congress. Avoid using any wet cleaning solutions unless you are certain they are safe for shellac, since some modern record cleaning fluids are meant for vinyl and can damage shellac. For general vinyl care tips, see our record cleaning guide, but note the differences for shellac.

Connectivity and digitizing 78s

Once you have the correct speed and stylus, you can connect your turntable to speakers or an amplifier in the usual way. If you are digitizing 78s, you may want a turntable with USB output so you can capture the audio directly to a computer. Some models also include Bluetooth, allowing wireless streaming to speakers or headphones. The Bluetooth Classic radio is designed for high-quality audio streaming, as described on the Bluetooth technology overview page.

If you choose a Bluetooth-enabled turntable, remember that the EQ adjustments for 78s must happen before the wireless transmission, so you will still need a preamp with adjustable EQ in the signal path. USB output usually captures the analog signal after the preamp, which is convenient for applying EQ in software. Our best USB turntables and best Bluetooth turntables guides can help you find a model with the right features.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can every turntable play 78 RPM records?

No. Most modern turntables only have 33 and 45 speed settings. You need a dedicated 78 speed option, which is not universal. Check the speed selector before assuming a model can handle 78s.

Do 78s need a special stylus?

Yes. The grooves on 78s are wider than the microgrooves of LPs, so a standard LP stylus will not fit properly and may damage the record. Use a stylus designed for shellac 78s, typically with a larger tip radius.

What is the RIAA curve and why does it matter for 78s?

The RIAA curve is a standard equalization used for vinyl LPs and 45s. 78s were recorded before this standard, so they have their own equalization curves. Playing a 78 through a RIAA-only preamp will sound wrong unless you adjust the EQ.

Can I digitize my 78 records with a USB turntable?

Yes, if the USB turntable supports 78 RPM and allows you to bypass the internal preamp. You can then apply corrective EQ in software. Look for a model with a 78 speed setting and a line-out or USB output.

How fragile are 78 RPM records?

Shellac 78s are brittle and can crack if dropped or mishandled. Always hold them by the edges, store them upright on a stable shelf, and keep them away from heat and direct sunlight, as recommended by the Library of Congress.