Old Skool Trick: Playing A Record Backwards

July 2001

Before the addition of a "reverse" button on various brands of turntables, DJ's invented an innovative way to sample a record backwards. The method is relatively easy. You will need a roll of masking tape to perform this trick. For those DJ's that don't spin vinyl, here's a link for free DJ software from Spinning Sound.

Step One:

Place the roll of masking tape exactly in the center of the turntable as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Step Two:

With the tone-arm locked in place, unscrew/remove the cartridge and reinsert it upside-down as shown in Figure 2. You can use other types of cartridges besides the one shown.

Figure 2

Step Three:

With the tone-arm still locked, rotate the rear weight (at the back of the tone-arm) as far back as it can go.

Step Four:

Flip the record so that the track you want to sample is facing the platter. Center the vinyl on top of the masking tape. Be sure that the record doesn't wobble (that it's exactly in the center of the platter).

Step Five:

Unlock the tone-arm and place it on the vinyl as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3

Because the record is playing backwards, remember that the cartridge is moving away from the center/spindle and towards the spiral-in groove. Thus, if you want to play a song backwards, you must cue the needle at the end of the song.

This trick is best used when playing two of the same record. For example, as you're playing "Sandstorm" on the right turntable, you could sample eight reverse beats of "Sandstorm" on the left turntable and then quickly crossfade back to the right turntable. Keep in mind that you will have to move the pitch adjust on the reverse turntable to match the beats.

I have one last piece of advice: don't overuse this trick.