The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a large Actuelle with the long cylinder tone arm with cone speaker (speaker cone was recently replaced by the Speaker Shop in Ohio who actually replace these things.) Question is what needle should I be using on this machine? I've been using a regular steel needle which is probably not right on a Pathé record. Thanks

dutchman wrote:I have a large Actuelle with the long cylinder tone arm with cone speaker (speaker cone was recently replaced by the Speaker Shop in Ohio who actually replace these things.) Question is what needle should I be using on this machine? I've been using a regular steel needle which is probably not right on a Pathé record. Thanks

Depends on what you're playing: for Pathé Actuelles and other lateral 78s, a good steel needle is fine. If you're playing Pathé verticals, you'll need a sapphire.

Bill

Thanks. I trust that the Actuelle records are so noted to preclude confusion between the verticle and lateral records.

dutchman wrote:Thanks. I trust that the Actuelle records are so noted to preclude confusion between the verticle and lateral records.

Yes, the laterals have the Actuelle label and at least some (maybe all) have "Needle Cut" on them, another name for laterals.

Clay

Thanks, appreciate the info. Cheers