Yes, you can stop a record with the needle down. However, it is not recommended, as it can damage the record and the stylus.
When you stop a record with the needle down, the stylus continues to drag across the record grooves. This can cause the stylus to skip or scratch the record. The stylus can also be damaged if it is dragged across the record grooves too quickly or for too long.
Additionally, stopping a record with the needle down can cause the record to warp. This is because the heat from the stylus can cause the record to soften and then cool and harden again in a warped shape.
Why is it not recommended to stop a record with the needle down?
There are a few reasons why it is not recommended to stop a record with the needle down:
- Damage to the record: When you stop a record with the needle down, the stylus continues to drag across the record grooves. 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 is dragged across the record grooves too quickly or for too long, it can be damaged. A damaged stylus can cause distortion and other sound quality problems.
- Warping: Stopping a record with the needle down can cause the record to warp. This is because the heat from the stylus can cause the record to soften and then cool and harden again in a warped shape.
When is it necessary to stop a record with the needle down?
In general, it is best to avoid stopping a record with the needle down. However, there are a few times when it may be necessary:
- If the record player is not equipped with an automatic tonearm return: Some older record players do not have an automatic tonearm return feature. This means that the tonearm will not automatically lift off of the record when the record is finished playing. If you have a record player without an automatic tonearm return, you will need to stop the record manually and lift the tonearm off of the record.
- If you are scratching a record: DJs often scratch records to create new sounds and rhythms. Scratching requires the DJ to stop the record and move the needle back and forth across the grooves.
- If you are mixing vinyl: Vinyl DJs also often stop the record and move the needle back and forth across the grooves to mix two records together.
How to stop a record with the needle down safely
If you do need to stop a record with the needle down, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of damage:
- Lift the tonearm as quickly as possible: The longer the needle stays in the groove, the more likely it is to damage the record.
- Use a light touch: Be careful not to put too much pressure on the tonearm when lifting it off of the record.
- Place the tonearm in its resting position: Once you have lifted the tonearm off of the record, place it in its resting position. This will help to prevent the stylus from accidentally touching the record grooves.
It is best to avoid stopping a record with the needle down if possible. However, if you do need to stop a record with the needle down, follow the tips above to minimize the risk of damage.
