The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

There are also sharpeners from 'The House of Peter Grey'. All sharpeners I've ever seen appear to date from the 1940's or the late-1930's at the earliest, although I have cactus needle packets that appear to be 1920's. Does anyone have a 1920's era sharpener?

FloridaClay wrote:Does anybody sell good cactus needles these days?

Clay

I don't think new ones are being made. On the UK board I've read plenty about steel needles and bamboo needles, but nothing about new cactus thorns. One problem might be availability- I think the species with the proper spines is now protected. I obtained prickly pear spines and cut and sharpened them. The results were good but the spines are very thin.

estott wrote:

FloridaClay wrote:Does anybody sell good cactus needles these days?

Clay

I don't think new ones are being made. On the UK board I've read plenty about steel needles and bamboo needles, but nothing about new cactus thorns. One problem might be availability- I think the species with the proper spines is now protected. I obtained prickly pear spines and cut and sharpened them. The results were good but the spines are very thin.

Those of us who are desert dwellers have a plentiful supply of new needles. The best ones come from the barrel cactus, which is not protected. I use the Peter Grey sharpeners, however 120-200 grit sandpaper and detxtrous fingers will also work. The barrel cactus spines are so good that I haven't used a steel needle in many months. With the right one and judicious sharpening you can get 20-30 plays from a single needle.

He's right! I have a couple barrels on my property, and they're loaded. But they're everywhere out here, and they last a long time. Besides, you can play any 78 w/out damaging it. I play Vogue picture records without harming them. And there not as loud. I was using the soft tone needles, which are still so loud that my nabor knows when I'm playing it. Mike

penman wrote: Those of us who are desert dwellers have a plentiful supply of new needles. The best ones come from the barrel cactus, which is not protected. I use the Peter Grey sharpeners, however 120-200 grit sandpaper and detxtrous fingers will also work. The barrel cactus spines are so good that I haven't used a steel needle in many months. With the right one and judicious sharpening you can get 20-30 plays from a single needle.

Anyone of the desert dwellers thinking about creating a small scale supply business for fellow collectors here on the forum?(hint hint) I'm sure some others here in the eastern wetlands might be interested as well.
Just a thought
Andreas

Andreas:

I've actually thought about it, but so far................ Not sure I want to make a business of it I don't know if my fingers could take it. Maybe if all the desert dwellers got together. The harvesting process leaves something to be desired (even with gloves). Hand models need not apply

Hey guys, Let me get a sharpener before we creat a run on the market for em. Mike