Im learning some record-specific considerations here but it sounds like the best cart for old records is a magnetic, 78s are all mono so no issue there.

I had a Philco-branded V-M with a powerpoint. It is a self contained flip-over stylus-ceramic like a Astatic 710. It should work without adding any more preamp stages

Sounds like an awesome setup, have you got a photo? Those tonearms are going up in value, too.

I installed one last night in my neighbors Ristaucrat. Sounds great, plenty of volume compared to the old Astatic he had in there. I mounted it with double-sided foam tape, making sure I got the positioning just right.

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+1

I use the earlier GE RPX-050. It's similar to the VRII. Tracks a bit heavier at 6 to 8 grams, and has a more rolled off high end which makes rough 78s sound a bit better.

The Pickering NP/AC is officially out of production and people are snapping them up for spares, I know I have. They'll track anything and do a decent job masking surface noise on poorer records.

I'd give the overall nod to the GE carts for sound quality, but the Pickering is cheaper. I bought my last NP/AC for $15.

One cart I've always wanted to try is the 78 only RPX-010 from '47 or '48. Tracks heavy but those GEs have a way of burying the scratches and pops...

It's been a while, I'll take one tonight.

The Three Armed Monster! The big tonearm is an Argonne AR-500 (Japanese clone of a Gray 108)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/822/4...a49671e5_b.jpg

GE VRII Triple play Close up. Set up for mono LP and 78

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/874/3...ba53fc7b_b.jpg

Some mismatch Stanton/Pickering stuff for "nice" stereo records

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/807/4...b88249d1_b.jpg

And more Stanton and mystery Pickering Stylus (conical) for not so nice stereo records

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/868/4...a7a878de_b.jpg

And yes i need to find a proper rest for that :D

Also need a better way to "change" your tracking force.

Really nice stuff! Thanks for sharing

Big issue with 1950's and 1960's phonos is there is no one cartridge which is suitable for all of them. There's a wide range from 3v 1 tube wonder types to nice light tracking VM changers with either Zenith Micro-Touch or Tetrad light tracking (2 Grams) medium output ceramics, and several points in between and mono and stereo to deal with. And several makes have specialist cartridge issues to deal with, and little or no alternatives which easily adapt. A wide range of makes and models, and several unique challenges with some. And this is just with portables, tabletop phonos, and consoles alone. And there's also very high end examples with magnetic cartridges installed, some of which now suffer unique challenges of their own on stylus supply or limited current options which work.

I agree highly with the magnetic choice. Big issues are: Does the turntable have a 1/2" mount? Is there a 4 pole motor? Can the tonearm be operated, and the changer trip properly at 3 grams or below? Some changers, no problem. Many others lack options in this aspect, or easily fitted changers which do. My 1966 Fisher Electra VIII is fitted with a Dual 1010 changer, with a 4 pole motor, and a Pickering V 15 F cartridge. and I could even upgrade that changer to the lighter tracking Dual 1009, 1019, or the small chassis Dual 1200 family like the superb 1218. And my Fisher's preamplifier/tuner section has a magnetic phono stage with RIAA fitted (but cost nearly $800 new in 1966).

Pinewood Derby weights? I already had the change though :D I think these micro trak arms originally had self adhesive weights.'

The Grado woodie tonearm has a Grado Blue1 cart on it now and it's even better :thmbsp:

They have the corners from a Picture frame kit for tracking weight adjustment.