Bamboo needles and worn 78s

[SteveM]

It's always a sad moment when you realize bamboo isn't going to make it through a fairly worn record, and it will thereafter be relegated to the steel. But I'm often surprised, and the bamboo plows right through something that looks like a train wreck. Maybe it's the humidity

[merrysick]

I play my 1920s and 30s 78s on my Victor Orthophonic Credenza. (I enjoy hearing the records played on this wonderful machine.) I use only bamboo needles, which do very little--if any--damage to the records. Over the years, I've noticed that the the bamboo needle will wear out prematurely (before a record has finished) if the record has wear. That is, the bamboo needle seems to perform properly only on records in excellent or better condition. My only solution, to date, has been to find top condition records. Have other individuals experienced this? All comments welcome.

Hi Normandie,

I share your love for vintage 78s! I've also found that bamboo needles work best on records in excellent condition. When playing worn 78s, I've encountered premature wear on the bamboo needles as well. Opting for well-preserved records seems to be the best solution for preserving both the records and needles. Interested to hear others' experiences.