Needle Source

[John Svensson]

I was wondering if anyone has bought needles from "cyber_tigger" on Ebay? The Seller is a Mr. Walt Sommers who also runs Gettysburg Antique Phonographs and he seems to have been in the business for quite some time. Has anyone had any dealings with him? I am a newbie on here and to vintage acoustic audio gear in general, but he would be rather "local" to me in case I need his services in the future. Thanks for any comments. I hope to be picking up a 'starter' Victrola on Sunday. John Svensson

[schweg]

I have not bought needles from him but have bought some parts and it was a good transaction.

[Wolfe]

The name of Walt Sommers comes up from time to time on this list, and he seems to be well regarded.

Try inputing his name into the search engine and see what you get.

[Zeppy]

Never purchased needles from him, but he rebuilt a reproducer for me (the Zonophone version of the Victor 0 Exhibition), and fixed a needle bar that had been re-tapped to a larger size. He did a really nice job on all the work, was very fair, and we chatted for a while on the phone, and was a geuinely likeable person. I don't know what source he uses for needles, but if he is as picky with the needles he supplies as he is with his attention to detail in the work of his I've seen, I wouldn't have any concern.

[estott]

I can vouch positively for Walt, as far as the quality of his work and supplies- he's an excellent technician.

[Nat]

Walt has done outstanding work for me, and has been enormously informative when I've spoken to him. I use his needles, and have no complaints whatever - and he ships them quickly.

Nat

[NE-VICTOR-MAN]

Walt rebuilt two Orthophonic sound boxes for me. The result is excellent. I also have purchased needles from him that work very well. I highly recommend him.

[Tinkerbell]

I can only parrot what everyone else has said before me... Walt gets two big thumbs up from me.

[AZ*]

Just to help balance the reporting.

Walt has a lot of experience and is highly regarded by many. He also has a very high opinion of himself. I have heard at least one report in person, first-hand from a seasoned collector whom I respect (who is also a member of this board) of a substandard soundbox rebuild that Walt did for him. When the collector tried to get it put right, Walt basically gave him the brushoff.

I was thinking about sending some soundbox work to Walt, but once my collector friend told me about his experiences, I changed my mind.

Good luck.

[antique1973]

I bought some of Walt's needles before and they seemed be of good quality. I buy
from Martin now however by the 1000 because the price is better and quality is still good.