The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I made one my Pathé records play by inverting phase on a 78 headshell a long time ago. I am sure I'm not the first to do that. As it happens I do have a sort of rare record (not going to name it yet) that will never see a steel needle, I am in complete agreement with that safe advice. BTW, I can modify almost any 80s 90s turntable to play 78s though there are a few that it's not a good idea. Also, I see some videos up now about that mod for the Technics D series. Pretty easy on those.

Has anybody messaged Walt Somers and asked him what/if anything has changed recently? I haven't bought any of his in about 3 years, but mine are pretty good but of course I do not inspect my needles much.

Not me...
I think the only thing I bought needles from USA was years ago, from Kurt Nauck, benefiting from an auction shipping, when I added to the winnings lots several packages of NOS Victor loud tone needles.
And the only other time is a curious happy story about the Vallorbes' needles...
Sorry for the excursion, I don't know Walt needles....

I didn’t notice any issues with needles from Walt but it has been a few years. More recently I have been ordering needles from Soundgen (and using Burmese Colour Needles for some records and on some machines).

Bill

I did not reach out to Walt. But Walt reached out to me. Although I'll never know what he had to say because he removed the message he sent before I could see it and when I try to Inquire of him just what it was all about, I am prompted by a message that says he will not receive my message. Interesting........

Thatphonographguy wrote: Wed Nov 08, 2023 2:26 pm I did not reach out to Walt. But Walt reached out to me. Although I'll never know what he had to say because he removed the message he sent before I could see it and when I try to Inquire of him just what it was all about, I am prompted by a message that says he will not receive my message. Interesting........

Yes, interesting. I wonder if it had anything to do with your public review of his product in your initial posting.

Thatphonographguy wrote: Wed Nov 08, 2023 2:26 pm I did not reach out to Walt. But Walt reached out to me. Although I'll never know what he had to say because he removed the message he sent before I could see it and when I try to Inquire of him just what it was all about, I am prompted by a message that says he will not receive my message. Interesting........

Perhaps you should have reached out to him first, before going public with your complaint.

Ken Doyle wrote: Wed Nov 08, 2023 2:46 pm

Thatphonographguy wrote: Wed Nov 08, 2023 2:26 pm I did not reach out to Walt. But Walt reached out to me. Although I'll never know what he had to say because he removed the message he sent before I could see it and when I try to Inquire of him just what it was all about, I am prompted by a message that says he will not receive my message. Interesting........

Perhaps you should have reached out to him first, before going public with your complaint.

Yes. I occasionally make phonograph parts for folks. I would be just thrilled to learn for the first time, by reading on a public forum, about what awful things I make, and about my dishonest claims of quality. Interesting.......

This article explains the complicated process of making steel phonograph needles:

https://www.capsnews.org/apn1985-1.htm

It's actually surprising that anyone manufactures them now...

This was not ONLY about Walt. But in general these days. I don't feel one bit bad about asking fellow collectors on this forum about necessities to our hobby. This wasn't a review. That would already be done if eBay didn't make you wait a week before leaving anything but an unfavorable review. Making a product and getting upset when someone is dissatisfied about it is for sure understandable however. Especially when you work hard to put the product out. It's human nature. If I have offended Walt, I apologize. He has been very important in this hobby for resources, and I do sincerely appreciate it, as I'm sure many of us do. If being honest is wrong, I don't wanna be right............