Everplay and others

[Andy45]

Hi, I've noticed that there have been some sales of the Everplay needles. Are these what I should be using instead of the 600 steel needles I've recently purchased. Are there other brands of "permanent" needles that would work? I like the idea of not having to replace needles every time I play one record. Thanks,

Andy

[drh]

Hi, I've noticed that there have been some sales of the Everplay needles. Are these what I should be using instead of the 600 steel needles I've recently purchased. Are there other brands of "permanent" needles that would work? I like the idea of not having to replace needles every time I play one record. Thanks,

Andy

No personal experience with Everplay, indeed never heard of it until now, but I'd be leery. Way, way back when, as a rank beginner, I tried a "semi-permanent" Pfanstiehl osmium stylus in my first mechanical player (Pathéphone 100) to play conventional 78s (Victor, Columbia, etc.--not Pathé disks). It did unpleasant things to the records that I played most often, happily nothing rare or valuable. I think I briefly tried a TungsTone with similar results at around the same time. Ever since, I've stayed with plain old steel needles. On the other hand, a quick search finds that some here on the forum have been pleased with Everplay, and they, of course, have first-hand knowledge. If you do try the Everplay, I'd suggest experimenting with some junker records for a while first to get a feel for what kind of wear to expect.

[OrthoSean]

I've posted about Everplays before, but I'll offer a brief summary here again. I have used one in my 10-50 changer for over 5 years now with no issues. As long as you're playing discs that aren't already heavily worn or otherwise damaged, you shouldn't have any issues at all. The convenience is wonderful and the sound comparable to about that of a half tone steel needle. More recently, when I finally finished rebuilding the #2 reproducer in my Louis XVI Victor, I decided to try one in that. The results are the same, nice sound and no issue with extra wear by any means on a nice, clean disc. Red Seal acoustics sound especially nice, too! They will "dig up" an already worn disc pretty quickly, though, so if I'm going to play something that's worn, I'll just pop in a regular steel needle.

Sean

[HisMastersVoice]

I tried a "semi-permanent" Pfanstiehl osmium stylus in my first mechanical player (Pathéphone 100) to play conventional 78s (Victor, Columbia, etc.--not Pathé disks). It did unpleasant things to the records that I played most often, happily nothing rare or valuable.

These were meant for lightweight pickups, so it's not at all surprising that it damaged your records. I can say from first hand experience, that the Everplay does not wear records as much as a Tungs-Tone.

[estott]

I use an Everplay and am quite satisfied with it. The only times I remove is are for worn or damaged discs (as Sean suggests) or for times when I'd like to use a fiber or cactus needle on something particularly nice. I also remove it when I'd like to use a LOUD needle for a dance record.

I'd say that the $100 I paid was well spent.