The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Those nice OKeh "Indian Head" labels by the Otto Heineman Phonograph Supply Co., were put into production in the teens, these records appear to be rather scarce these days. I am wondering why? There were so parts such as tone arms, reproducers and motors made by Heineman? Why so few of there records?

I have a few of their vertical play records, were these to be played with a steel needle or a sapphire stylus?

Victrolacollector wrote: I have a few of their vertical play records, were these to be played with a steel needle or a sapphire stylus?

Well: I have only one OKeh vertical. It seemed to play well enough with a steel needle (when I first tested it on my Talkophone, with a jury-rigged adaptor): but when I tried it again with a needle, on the C-250, with a 'Jewel' adaptor in vertical mode, I could see the grooves being damaged before my eyes, and promptly stopped the attempt before the side was completely ruined.

I am not sure how it would play with a Pathé style sapphire, as I do not yet have one...

Bill

The vertical Okeh is cut exactly like the Pathé and should be played only with a Pathé sapphire stylus. I have at least a dozen Okehs and am positive of this.