Quality comparison of NEW steel needles

[MicaMonster]

I have purchased needles from numerous lauded vendors, made microscopic comparisons, and it seems that, Stateside anyway, I am only aware of TWO genuine manufacturers. Tip geometry, groove fit, and nickel plating thickness and finish are important to me, and definitely important to my records. Having said that, I took the following picture this morning, comparing the two manufacturers. Someone definitely did their homework here, and has made an OUTSTANDING product. I'll let you all submit your guesses, before I name the manufacturers. (although the picture does give it away)

[HisMastersVoice]

I think I'll sit this one out...

I'm curious to see the answer, though.

[Retrograde]

I'll make my guess in "Blink" style...

Left is Chamberlain
Right is Bry-o-phonic

(full disclosure... I have bought both brands)

[AZ*]

I agree with Retro that the ones on the right are probably Bryophonic, given their somewhat ruff appearance. Not sure about the others. Most of my recent purchases have been from European vendors.

[Lucius1958]

Unless someone else is making spear-tip needles, I'd guess the upper left is a Siren... bottom left looks like a Chamberlain to me.

Bill

[Valecnik]

No idea bu I'd opt for the left.

[FloridaClay]

The magnified views are really revealing!

The Sirens are Chamberland products aren't they? I have been astonished at how well they perform on at least some records.

Clay

[Starkton]

Could you please also picture the needle points after one play, especially the worn off tip.

[MicaMonster]

I'll need to play each one, and then post pictures.

LEFT is Chamberlain. RIGHT is Bry-O-Phonic.

Who is making these in Europe? I've tried several, and I've had mixed feelings about them having too little nickel plating, or simply being Bry-O-Phonics sent across the pond, then BACK to the USA!

[estott]

Sticking my neck out here, but...I bought needles from Mike Child and I'm pleased. The half tone needles have the same long taper familiar from old Victor stock. They sound fine and will last through two sides- I can get a third play out of them but with a little distortion so to my less-than-expert judgement the steel is hard but not too hard.


Of course for my best records I use old stock cactus needles.