The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

My aunt, who gave me my first Victrola, told me that they used the thorns from a hedge apple (osage orange) tree. These trees are quite common in states where they were planted as windbreaks during the dust bowl. Ed

I have been using Barrel cactus thorns and they are unprotected here in Arizona. I just stop on the side of the road as many are around and clip off 40 or 50 at a time. I do not pull them out as that causes the cactus to "bleed". I have been stopped a couple of times by Arizona Highway Patrolmen but I just show them what I am doing and why and after giving me a strange look they just leave. I let them dry a couple of weeks, sort and run them through paraffin after I sharpen them I wipe off tips before using.

They work great in all of machines especially when I want a lower, softer volume.
Abe

Here are some pictures of my Duotone Cactus Needle Sharpener

I have had good results from hawthorn and pyrocanthus but you need a light tonearm/soundbox combination otherwise they break down before the record is finished playing. I have also been using Burmese thorns recently and they are remarkable. They produce a very full bodied sound which I believe results from their stiffness.

Daithi wrote:I have also been using Burmese thorns recently and they are remarkable. They produce a very full bodied sound which I believe results from their stiffness.

I am also a big fan of Burmese Colour Needles which are currently available directly from forum member Orchorsol. Link:

http://www.burmesecolourneedles.com

My cholla cactus-veneer Victrola. I obtained it from a man who bought it at the estate auction of Tom Mix’s cabin in Sierra Madre, California in 1943. I keep a variety of cactus spine needles and sharpeners on display under the lid, along with a Gennett sound-effects record of coyotes howling.

AZ* wrote:

Daithi wrote:I have also been using Burmese thorns recently and they are remarkable. They produce a very full bodied sound which I believe results from their stiffness.

I am also a big fan of Burmese Colour Needles which are currently available directly from forum member Orchorsol. Link:

http://www.burmesecolourneedles.com

Many thanks both!

Just to clarify, these are the same needles as referred to earlier in this thread (David Williams - I took over from him around 2 years ago).

JohnM wrote:My cholla cactus-veneer Victrola. I obtained it from a man who bought it at the estate auction of Tom Mix’s cabin in Sierra Madre, California in 1943. I keep a variety of cactus spine needles and sharpeners on display under the lid, along with a Gennett sound-effects record of coyotes howling.

That is just wonderful!

HisMastersVoice wrote: Wed Nov 22, 2017 8:40 am

VictorVV-X wrote:Hello all, I have heard of Cactus or thorn needles but I have never been able to locate them. Where can they be found?

Thanks in advance.
VictorVV-X

I have a sizable collection of them, probably more than I can use in 2 lifetimes (I'm still on my first 2 packs...) I may be able to spare a pack. If you're interested, send me a PM.

cactus.jpg

I'd be game for a packet!

I have used the Burmese Color needles and like the sound and the durability. The needles I bought were from David but if Orchorsol now provides them, they are good. I have used them in my Electrola Changers also.