Greythorne needle sharpener instructions?

[52089]

I just purchased this on ebay. The pic shows exactly what I got. I assume I'll have to make my own abrasive discs, which is not a big deal.

Does anyone have a copy of the instruction sheet for this they could post?

Thanks in advance.

[estott]

The abrasive is applied to cardboard rings about ¼ inch thick, they fit on the other side of the holder on the left. There should be a MUCH larger wheel on the sharpener,perhaps you can fit the rubber tyre from a sewing machine winder. In any case, to use put the needle into the collet and tighten.Put the peg on the bottom of the sharpener into the hole on the other side of the platform letting the needle rest on one side of the abrasive ring and the rubber tyre on the other. Grasp the red handle and turn.

This picture will help:

[gramophone78]

Actually, the little rubber wheel is correct. These were designed for Throne needles.

[estott]

Ahhh! Fascinating. I have a pack of Greythornes & they don't fit the standard Kacti sharpener because they are thinner and have a longer taper. I've tried them and decided they were best used in early electric pickups.

Cactus needle sharpeners are not too hard to find- in the US the same sharpener was used by three firms (at least): Ksacti/Peter grey , Decca and "Red Top"- a firm in Boston. Peter Grey was the biggest promoter and was sued in court for claiming his needles could restore worn records.

[52089]

OK, it shouldn't be too difficult to make a ¼" ring and glue some sandpaper on it, thanks.

Am I understanding then that this sharpener is only suitable for thorn needles, and that a different (albeit similar) sharpener would be needed for cactus needles?

[startgroove]

Cactus needle sharpeners are similar. You might want to consider going to bamboo needles. They can be sharpened many more times than thorn or cactus. Here are a few examples of the sharpeners.

[wjw]

I've never seen a sharpener for the Greythorne needles. Very cool. These needles were for the crystal cartridges that superseded the horseshoe magnet type. The tracking weight was lighter but they still employed a thumbscrew for needle changing.

I have a question for those among us with electronics knowledge: As I remember, in the Greythorne instruction sheets the user is cautioned that turning up the volume too high will reduce the life of the point! Any truth in that?

-bill