Favorite source of soft tone needles?

[blacknwhite]

Forgive the posting of an obvious question, but the only FAQ I could find for this site was just for technical info regarding posting messages on the forum...

What's your favorite current supplier for buying regularly-stocked, single-play soft tone steel needles? (i.e. not just looking for certain rare brands of original needle packs on eBay)

My understanding is that there are different kinds of steel, and if you get needles made from too soft of steel, or with too short of a taper on the point, they will wear prematurely while playing a single 78 side, and damage the final grooves of the record, more than a better-made single-play steel needle should...

What suppliers have you had good results from?

Thanks,
- Bob

[Neophone]

Bob,

Not an "obvious" question at all-that's what we're here for. I have in the past used Bry-O-Phonic needles, however I have heard some negative comments for others about them, I always did have good luck with them myself.

Too soft steel and the needle would wear out before the record was done playing so you'd hear that easily enough I'd imagine. Too hard steel-like those 1940s, & 50s chromium needles and you will wreck your records. I avoid anything that's marketed as multi-play for the most part. Lately I've been getting needles from a fellow member of my local MAPS, MOCAPS. I don't know if he's got enough to offer them to "the masses", but I'll e-mail him and ask.


Regards,
John

[B.B.B]

I've used two kinds of new needles.

One made in Britain & sold by a fellow called Mike Child, his eBay nick is soundgen.
He also carries a supply of extra soft tones, very good for 40-50s records
(which one shouldn't play on a Victrola, I know, I know.)

Very bright needles, sounds great & I've used hundreds of them, without any problems.
I know his needles are popular in Europe.

The other kind, is sold by a member of this board, Walt Sommers, also on eBay, cyber_tigger.
His needles very much resembles the NOS Victors I have, he even has a microscopic comparison posted on his eBay listings.
And he also states that this needles are made using the old Victor specs.
I've use them without any fuzz. Both soft & loud tones

[AZ*]

I have also been very satisfied with Mike Child's needles.

Mike sells 4 different tones: Loud, Medium, Soft, Extra Soft.

Mike's "Extra Soft" is similar to other sellers' "Soft."

Mike's "Soft" is a little thicker and plays louder. It's the needle I use the most.

You can get them on ebay, or deal direct with him for larger quantities:

http://gramophoneneedles.blogspot.com/