Yes, you can start a record with the needle down in the middle. However, it is not recommended, as it can damage the record and the stylus.
When you drop the needle down in the middle of a record, the stylus will hit the groove with a lot of force. This can cause the stylus to skip or scratch the record. The stylus can also be damaged if it hits the groove too hard.
Additionally, dropping the needle down in the middle of a record can cause the record to skip. This is because the needle will not have a chance to properly settle into the groove before the record starts spinning.
If you do need to start a record with the needle down in the middle, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of damage:
- Use a turntable with a cueing lever. This will allow you to slowly lower the tonearm onto the record, which will help to reduce the impact.
- Use a heavier tonearm. A heavier tonearm will be less likely to skip or scratch the record.
- Use a record clamp. This will help to secure the record to the platter, which will also reduce the risk of skipping.
- Start the record player at a slow speed. This will give the needle more time to settle into the groove before the record starts spinning.
It is important to note that even if you follow these tips, there is still a risk of damaging the record and the stylus when you start a record with the needle down in the middle. It is always best to avoid doing this if possible.
Why is it not recommended to start a record with the needle down in the middle?
There are a few reasons why it is not recommended to start a record with the needle down in the middle.
- Damage to the record: When you drop the needle down in the middle of a record, the stylus hits the groove with a lot of force. This can cause the stylus to skip or scratch the record. Scratches on a record can cause pops and clicks when the record is played. In severe cases, scratches can damage the record beyond repair.
- Damage to the stylus: The stylus is a delicate component that is responsible for picking up the sound from the record grooves. If the stylus hits the groove too hard, it can be damaged. A damaged stylus can cause distortion and other sound quality problems.
- Skipping: When you drop the needle down in the middle of a record, the needle may not have a chance to properly settle into the groove before the record starts spinning. This can cause the record to skip. Skipping can be disruptive and annoying, and it can also damage the record and the stylus.
How to avoid starting a record with the needle down in the middle
The best way to avoid starting a record with the needle down in the middle is to use a turntable with a cueing lever. This will allow you to slowly lower the tonearm onto the record, which will help to prevent damage.
If you do not have a turntable with a cueing lever, you can try using a heavier tonearm or a record clamp. These can help to reduce the risk of skipping, but they do not eliminate it entirely.
It is also important to start the record player at a slow speed. This will give the needle more time to settle into the groove before the record starts spinning.
If you do need to start a record with the needle down in the middle, do so carefully and gently. Avoid dropping the needle onto the record, and lower it slowly and carefully.
Starting a record with the needle down in the middle can damage the record and the stylus. It is best to avoid doing this if possible. If you do need to start a record with the needle down in the middle, do so carefully and gently.
