Dual 1219 Turntable

[scompton]

I got a Dual 1219 turntable over the week end for $20 at an auction. I haven't hooked it up yet to see if it works because it would be just to see if it spins. It looks like it has the original cartridge from the early 70s. It's chrome without a brand name on it that I can see without taking it apart. I don't want it to touch my records, although it still has a stylus on it. I've already ordered a service manual. I have a question about cartridges. I read somewhere about needing special cartridges for 75 rpms. Is this true? This turntable has 3 speeds, which is great since I have a few old 78s. I've already ordered a Grado green for my other turntable. Can this be used on the Dual as well?

 

[fatcat28037]

I had one of those. Bought it new sometime around 1968/70. The difference with 78's is the size of the groove, it's MUCH wider and deeper. I would see about getting a cartridge just for the 78's. I think you could screw up an expensive 33/45 cartridge playing 78's.

 

[scompton]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatcat28037 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I had one of those. Bought it new sometime around 1968/70.

From what I've read on the web, they were made from 70-72.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatcat28037 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The difference with 78's is the size of the groove, it's MUCH wider and deeper. I would see about getting a cartridge just for the 78's. I think you could screw up an expensive 33/45 cartridge playing 78's.

I was afraid of that. I'll probably get it working for 33 1/3 first then worry about the 78s. I only have a few 78s that I inherited. Even growing up, I don't think my parents had anything that could play 78s.

How did a turntable like this handle it? Did it just have a very sturdy cartridge?

 

[jwilldermood]

I have a headshell for a Dual TT. I can't remember which model. I remember the handle pulled back and released the headshell. If it fits yours you can have it for shipping. Then you could have a cart for 33rpm and one for 78rpm

I'll see if I can find it, let me know.

 

[bigshot]

Call the folks at www.garage-a-records.com They can mount a cartridge with a 78 rpm tip onto a Dual headshell for you. That way, to play 78s all you have to do is pop headshells on and off. I recommend the Grado DJ cartridge with a 3.0 or 3.5 tip. Conical is better for larger sized tips like these, elliptical is better for smaller ones like a 2.5. The elliptical ones cost more though. The inexpensive Shure cartridge that most places sell tracks too light to be able to handle warps in 78s. I would recommend spending a little more and getting a DJ cart. I use a Dual 1228 for 78s and it is great. You can find great 78s at thrift stores for 25 cents sometimes.

Hope this helps
Steve