Needle drop (DJing)

Needle drop refers to the technique in DJing and turntablism where the DJ manually places the stylus (needle) of a record player into a specific groove on a vinyl record to start playback at a desired point within the track. This is often done to quickly cue up a specific section of a song, skip directly to a breakdown, or isolate a particular sound or sample.

The precision and finesse of a needle drop are considered a skill, requiring a steady hand, good ear, and familiarity with the record. Experienced DJs can execute needle drops with remarkable accuracy, seamlessly transitioning between different sections of a song or even creating rhythmic effects through repeated needle drops.

The term "needle drop" can also be used more broadly to describe the deliberate starting or restarting of a vinyl record at a specific point, even if not performed with the rapid or precise intention associated with its DJing context.

Compared to more modern digital DJing techniques, needle dropping relies on the tactile feedback and immediate control afforded by vinyl records. While digital methods offer advantages in terms of precision and pre-cueing, the needle drop remains a fundamental and respected skill within the culture of vinyl DJing.