The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,

I recently ordered some new phonograph needles and found that they are not of the same quality as the ones I had purchased before from the same supplier. These new needles come to a very sharp point rather than round off. That sharp point also terminates in a flat tip, I can see it catch the light when using a loop and twisting it in my fingers. Some of those points have small hooks because they are so thin and have bent. The taper is also rough, not the smooth polished point I had expected. I tried scraping the new needle over my finger and it feels very rough and even scratched my skin. The old needles feel smooth in comparison.

I included some pictures of these needles, also some comparisons pics with the quality needles I had before.

What is the opinion here at the forum, can I safely use these needles or should I get them replaced? I purchased A LOT of needles, so if they are not safe I don’t want to be using them through the years to come. I want to know if there is a real need before I start a return process. I guess the sharper point might actually be kinder to the record groove as it won’t be riding on the groove wall as much?

Reference pictures and text below:

Mike, these needles look and based on your "tip" description "very inferior" to me. Made in Asia??. I know that you have at least one other thread regarding "needles" suppliers,quality,type, etc....
Here is food for thought for you........there are so many NOS packets/tins of needles that anyone can buy on line at a fairly cheap price......why not look at that avenue. In all the years I have been involved, I have never used "newly" manufactured needles. Not because they are inferior but because if I can buy NOS.....why not??.
Hope this answers some or all of your concerns....at least about the needles in question.

Stocking up on ‘new old stock’ needles is a good idea, and I do have a couple packs that I use on occasion. The primary reason that I try new production needles is cost per quantity. Many old packs that I find cost more than the new needles would. I play my phonographs a lot and would have a hard time keeping up with NOS packs, unless I hit the jackpot on NOS and buy many at once. I am still new to this grand hobby so I don't have a long period of collecting NOS needles yet. The quality needle pictured here for comparison was a new production needle (at least I think it was), so there are some good ones out there.

Nonetheless I will keep an eye open for any NOS needles that come my way.

Player-Tone wrote: The quality needle pictured here for comparison was a new production needle (at least I think it was), so there are some good ones out there.

You are very correct. There a few dealers that are selling a very good quality needle. Since I have never used them....I can only go by what has been expressed on our forum and from other collectors over the years. I have a feeling some excellent recommendations are about to start pouring in.... .

Oh!, one other thing......you may want to look at "multi-play" needles like "tungstone" needles. This way you can play hundreds of times on one needle AND not hurt your records by using inferior or cheap made needles.....just a thought....

Tungs-Tone are nice, but I would love to have one of those Ever-Play needles where you can roll out the wire when it wears down.

-Besides, I don't really need suggestions right now- I know what needle types are out there, I am just asking about the quality of these particular needles which I already purchased.

I've heard that Tungstone needles are hard on your records. There must be some reason that Victor stopped making them by the early 1930s. The best needles to use on your hand crank phonographs are well made steel needles unless you use cactus.

Buying "new old stock" needles of a reputable make will guarantee good quality, but you will be paying extra for the period packaging. This is fine if you want to collect needle tins and packets, but as others have mentioned it is more cost effective to buy new needles for everyday use.

For some years I have bought new needles from "Soundgen" who is a UK based member of this forum and an ebayer of long standing. I have never had any problems.

There are rumours circulating in the UK that the supply of some varieties of needle may be finite, in particular "Extra Soft Tone", so I have been quietly stocking up just in case. We could end up with a situation where, to paraphrase Henry Ford, "You can have any tone so long as it is Medium".

I was doing some tests with these needles and think they may actually fit the groove better with the sharper point than the rounded needles do. The illastration below shows how the old needle (top) rides on the groove's upper wall, but that the sharp needle rides in the groove channel.(bottom): Would this be better, or would that wear pattern be more distructive over time?

The needle seems very hard on the beginning of a record until it is shaped by the groove, then it's fine.

Please tell us about the source of these needles, as I'd like to avoid them.

Edisone wrote:Please tell us about the source of these needles, as I'd like to avoid them.

Agree, if you have concerns about these needles, the seller should not be a secret. If the seller is a member here, it makes sense he's invited to comment, answer questions as well.