Gallotone needles.

[Phono48]

One thing I'd like to offer is that if the reproducer/soundbox is excessively non compliant due to wrong gaskets, stiff needle bar because the tensioning springs are too tight or too thick a replacement diaphragm. Any of those situations will cause the needle to wear excessively. Not to mention the poor record !! Hopefully the tonearm pivot is free from binding.

No, checked all those points, with the same results. I think I'll just have to accept that these are badly manufactured.

Barry

[poodling around]

I have had needles made for forty years and long ago had this problem with loud tone needles in that they wouldn't play a record completely , I sent batches back to the factory to be rehardened assuming that was the problem only to find it made no difference ! I eventually twigged why and my loud tone needles now play OK

I am probably missing something here - but you say you 'eventually twigged why and my loud tone needles now play OK' - what did you 'twig' please I wonder ? What was it that got to the 'root' of the problem ? Did you just turn over a new 'leaf' and approach needle use in a different way ? Enquiring minds need to know