Jeff Whittington's Diamond Disc styluses

[scullylathe]

I really have no idea where to post this, but the "replacement" diamond disc stylus that Jeff provided (for a fee) with my new diaphragm that he and John Maeder had designed and were selling a while back, has, after playing nothing but undamaged discs for a while, started scratching records. I contacted him several months ago about the problem when it first occurred; he acknowledged that "there was some sort of problem with the new styluses"; but to date (MONTHS later) has provided no solution. I would like to enjoy my Diamond Disc machine as before purchasing the diaphragm upgrade, but because of the stylus I won't damage my collection. Has anyone had the same problem and gotten some sort of resolution? I'm not angry, I just want a good, viable, stylus again. Thanks!

[52089]

Search the board for "expert stylus" for related discussions. This is who Jeff/John order them from.

[JohnM]

Hi Eric! I'm sorry to learn that your stylus is wearing discs. I was only involved with the design of the diaphragms in that project and never received any royalties for my involvement for my part of the design, but I do know that Jeff was buying styli from Steve Medved as they became available from Expert Stylus, which is apparently the source of all DD styli currently -- and as is widely known -- their quality control is erratic. Apparently they make them up in batches as orders are placed. Jeff was selling them at cost as part of the rebuild, and the styli cost $105@ from Expert with Steve being the domestic source. Steve was impressed enough with the performance of the diaphragms that he wanted to help the project and so sold Jeff styli at his cost. I've heard other complaints about Expert styli. I'm not sure what the remedy is here, since the issue is with Expert. I know Jeff is in the middle of a move right now, but I'll pass this on to him so that he is more immediately aware of your concern.

[VintageTechnologies]

After all the horror stories about replica needles from Expert, I resolved to buy only good originals (loose or on reproducers) rather than risk damaging my records. Impossible to find? No! Ron Haring has a small stock of "new old stock" Edison DD needles that he bought many years ago. I examined them a few weeks ago under a powerful microscope and the points are perfect. I bought a couple, but he should still have some.

[OrthoSean]

Does anyone have Ron Haring's contact info? I'd certainly like to order one or two from him!

Sean

[Player-Tone]

Me too, I have a Diamond C in need of a stylus right now.

[OrthoSean]

The diamonds for cylinder machines seem to have no issues, at least none of the ones I've had replaced have. I'd send that out to Steve Medved and have him take care of it. Also, DD styli are not interchangeable with Cylinder ones, it's a slightly different sized assembly.

Sean

[VintageTechnologies]

Ron Haring (630) 552-1558

The diamond needles I referred to are mounted in the original T-bars for Diamond Disk reproducers. The T-bars are too long for a Amberola reproducers.

[Player-Tone]

He does not have any Diamond C stylus?

[VintageTechnologies]

Mike, I don't know. You will have to call him.