The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi all,
Before I heard that some new styluses caused record damage or ware, I ordered a new stylus mounted in bar from Shenandoah Antique Restoration. I just received it to day it is nicely commercially packaged as a new stylus and is made by Expert which I think is an English firm. Does any one have experience in using a stylus made by Expert? I recall some one I corresponded with saying they had tried 7 different styluses be for finding the Bruce type to be the one to use. I am unaware of what stylus the Expert maker uses at this time. I will not be using it immediately as I have a working Edisonic and I will be sending a standard to Steve Medved when he sends me an address and cost information.
I thank all that read this post and especially those that respond,
Allen

Considering all the trouble people have had over the past few years with the Expert styli (and the fact that they've given grief to buyers who've complained) I'd suggest sending your reproducer to Steve and have him install one of the Bruce ones. Any chance you can return the Expert one you bought? Maybe not, depending on how it was purchased-through another dealer or directly from them.
Bob

The person that tried 7 styluses contacted me by pm. Yes, I did ask the shop and I can and will return the stylus. The stylus was originally bought as a spare but I have been advised that they are not desirable.
Allen

As soon as I need a new sylus, I will get a Bruce Diamond Stylus, in fact, I am thinking about buying another Edison Reproducer and having a Bruce Diamond installed as a spare.

I have used Expert Stylus in my reproducer, and have not had problems, again these may be older Expert Stylus, I think the newer ones seem to be a problem for owners.

Also, would be nice to see new Bruce Diamond Stylus for the Amberola's.

All the best,

Jerry

I think Larry or some one else told me that Steve does have Amberola styluses or styli so I would check with him if you need one replaced.
Allen

Just started using a Bruce diamond in my London Upright, one that I have used a "brand x" stylus in for some time, and I can definitely say the following about it right off:

1) There's a definition to the sound now that has never been there. Early etched-label records have a gentle brilliance that I've only been able to hear when playing them on a modern turntable with an LP stylus.

2) On most sides, there are no lines in the dead wax. I see a very faint line on a few sides, ones that can only be seen at certain angles under direct light, but maybe three sides of the 25 I have played so far.

3) The stylus point feels sharper to my finger than the other styli, but the records do not appear to suffer for it.

4) my new "comfort zone" with this machine is twenty feet away.
Standing next to it while it is playing (something I've done for decades) is nearly impossible without causing some pain on loud passages. This is with one of Larry's diaphragms in the reproducer, the same diaphragm I was using with the "brand x" stylus, so the comparison is direct.

Any other questions you can post here and I'll gladly respond.