The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

barnettrp21122 wrote:Ebay seems to be the most consistent source for commercially-made new old-stock thorn needles, although many collectors are on the watch for these, and the prices sometimes are high

You can be certain that I'll be bidding against you on any pack of NOS Decca cactus needles. I probably have enough to last me 40 years or more, but that little voice in my head says "you need more"

Brandon, now you're starting to sound like another collector we know...who has more needles than God.

I wonder who that might be?

Sean

you can buy burmese thorn needles from a man called dave williams, 15 Southwood Gardens, Hinchley Wood, Esher, Surrey KT10 0DF. Telephone: 0208 224 9204 here in the uk, graham rankin (emgcr) uses them on his emg 10B oversize with excellent results, he will confirm this opinion

beaumonde wrote:Brandon, now you're starting to sound like another collector we know...who has more needles than God.

Don't judge, Adam. I've seen your watch collection.


Here's my current stash of cactus needles not including what I have in circulation:

Yes, Dave Williams is your man---extremely helpful and reasonably priced. He sells Burmese thorns (pink in colour) from original stock in thick or thin form. The type of sharpener shown in the previous post is the most satisfactory and easy to use in my experience.

I agree with Carlos in relation to bamboo needles which I have never found easy or satisfactory to use. They are difficult to sharpen adequately and consistently and will often ride at an inappropriate groove height. They also come in various thicknesses, some of which will not fit the specially triangulated scissor holder. I also use top quality medium steel needles for high modulation (jazz etc) when fibre needles will not stand the pressure/pace. Having said that, it is amazing just how much thorns will play on a well set up gramophone and with good condition records.

I also use Dave Williams's thorn needles and find them very good. They last a lot better than any of the several kinds of bamboos that I've used. However no fibre needle can adequately manage a record that has been played a lot with steel needles, and some records with loud passages will waste a thorn or bamboo in seconds. Steel is needed for these records. I have also found that some Victor and RCA Victor records in excellent condition turn grey and lose tone after just a few plays with thorn/bamboo. Don't know why but that's my experience.
I have also found Dave to be a completely honest, helpful and decent man.

Sometimes it helps to spray a wax-spray on the worn records, wipe the wax off with a soft cloth, and they play nicely again with bamboo needles.

john46 wrote:Sometimes it helps to spray a wax-spray on the worn records, wipe the wax off with a soft cloth, and they play nicely again with bamboo needles.

Spray wax sounds even worse than candle wax. What emulsifier and propellant is used?

Brandon wrote:

john46 wrote:Sometimes it helps to spray a wax-spray on the worn records, wipe the wax off with a soft cloth, and they play nicely again with bamboo needles.

Spray wax sounds even worse than candle wax. What emulsifier and propellant is used?

The best thing for improving the sound quality of worn records is wine. Be careful not to spill any on the record!