I have a large collection of 78 RPM records that I need to transcribe to digital format while they're still playable.

I'm in the process of acquiring cartridges with styli that will track above or below the worn areas, thus using areas previously untouched, so to speak. The smaller styli have the correct diameter to avoid the debris field at the bottom of the groove.

However I don't have a 78 RPM turntable. What I plan to do is play the records at 45 RPM while capturing them digitally and then using my DSP software to convert the speed from 45 RPM to 78.26, using a multiplication factor of 1.739.

The only thing I can see happening with this method is losing some of the bass. But there's not much bass (i.e., sub 120 Hz) in 78s anyway, so I don't see a problem there. Plus the tracking of the grooves should be improved not only due to the new area being used but also the slower playing speed.

I've experimented with few 78s using an old ceramic cartridge and the results were promising.

Any comments, cautions, or criticisms?

Nicolas?

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