The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

How recently have you bought from Martin? There seems to be some doubt as to whether he is currently doing business. I bought a large quantity from him about 2-3 years ago, and there was some delay at that time, IIRC, but eventually he did ship the needles. I've always found his needles to be just fine; I use soft-tones almost exclusively.

Martin was selling needles on Ebay within the last 6 months. I bought a large quantity from him and have used the needles he supplies for years. Never a problem with them. I contacted him off Ebay and ordered from him that way.

Henry wrote:How recently have you bought from Martin? There seems to be some doubt as to whether he is currently doing business. I bought a large quantity from him about 2-3 years ago, and there was some delay at that time, IIRC, but eventually he did ship the needles. I've always found his needles to be just fine; I use soft-tones almost exclusively.

I talked to a dealer in Texas earlier this year who ordered a quantity of needles in 2009 from Martin as he had done for many years. The dealer never received the needles, and the check was never cashed. Yet others here have gotten needles from Martin since then.

My advice is that if you order from Martin, you should be aware that there may be a long wait, and his filling of the orders can be irregular. I bought a batch from him 8 or 10 years ago, and while the needles aren't my favorites, they are generally OK.

I've gotten some orthophonic flange rubbers from Walt, I think he uses a special softer rubber for them for more compliance. Good seller. I think he advertises that the needles he sells are of higher quality as far as the metals used, so that they go easier on records (though the rule of one steel needle per side still applies, as always.) I've accumulated so many steel needles from so many sellers and from ebay now (new and NOS) that I can't imagine ever needing to buy them again!

I have ordered from Martin 3 times so far and each time the shipping was fast and no problems.

Thanks for all the replies...on balance Mr. Somers may be a good source of services. He has invited me to stop by his shop one day. I did break the antique phonograph ice on Saturday by buying a Victrola Model IX-A, from a different source, an antique shop owner who just happens to have about 3 Victrolas, a couple of Columbia and perhaps 4-5 Edison machines. I'd say that music is his specialty if any one is in the neighborhood....The Railroad General Store in Railroad, PA, York County. The model IX runs well, needs some cosmetic work to get back to 100% though. John Svensson

I we'd to purchase needles. Does anyone have contact info for Martin?

Latest I have is:

The New Amberola Phono. Co.
213 Caledonia St.
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819-2477

Also:

Martin Bryan
37 Caledonia St.
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
802-748-9264