The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I noticed on many of the 1940s period Columbia records, they push the use of Columbia and Okeh needles. I assume they are referring to Steel Needles. So these marked records should be ok to play with a steel needle? or do they mean a lighter electric tone arm that used a steel needle.

Side note, I think Victrola's and other 78 machines have received more use and suffered less from functional obsolescence than any other modern day mp3 player etc. The 78 was produced from the late 1800's up until around 1960. Despite the fact that the 40s-60s era 78's should not be played on these machines, I have a feeling that some people actually bought and played these newer records on their Victrola. So the Victrola was actually "modern" even into the 1950s and 1960s. Just my 2 cents.

Yes, they mean the light crystal pickups that used steel needles- often used the dog leg bent needles. These are what those "500 play" needles were meant for.