1. Turntable: This is the rotating platform where the record is placed. The turntable spins the record at a constant speed, typically 78 revolutions per minute (RPM) for standard records.
2. Tonearm: The tonearm is a hinged, pivoting arm that houses the pickup or stylus. It moves across the surface of the record and reads the sound information encoded in the grooves.
3. Pickup or Stylus: The pickup or stylus is a small, needle-like component at the end of the tonearm. It makes contact with the record grooves and vibrates as the record rotates, converting the mechanical vibrations into electrical signals.
4. Diaphragm: Some gramophones feature a diaphragm, which vibrates in response to the electrical signals from the pickup. The diaphragm's vibrations create sound waves, allowing you to hear the audio from the record.
5. Amplifier and Speaker: In early gramophones, the electrical signals from the pickup were amplified using an acoustic horn, which amplified and projected the sound outwards. Later models incorporated electronic amplifiers and speakers for better sound reproduction.
6. Cabinet: The gramophone's cabinet encloses and protects the turntable, tonearm, and other components. It can be made of wood, metal, or other materials and often has a decorative design.
7. Hand Crank or Motor: Early gramophones used a hand crank to rotate the turntable, requiring the user to manually turn the crank to play the record. Later models incorporated electric motors for automatic playback.
The overall appearance of a gramophone can vary depending on the specific design and manufacturer, but the general arrangement of the components remains similar across different models.