The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Siren Spearpoint Needles sold by Chamberlain = This may have already been discussed but how do these sound and compare to regular steel needles?

I like 'em. Just got a few packs this week, in fact. The point is normally rounded just enough -- rather than a little too sharp, as some needles are -- and I see very little black dust on them, if any, even when playing records that are fairly worn. Supposedly they vary tone and loudness depending on whether the spear surface is horizontal or vertical, but to be honest I can't tell a difference. They're LOUD, either way. So I tend to use them with the spear surface vertical on the theory that they're more flexible from side to side that way. I don't use them as much as I use medium or soft needles though, because living on the middle floor of an old three-family house, I recognize that my neighbors might not want always to hear my old music through their floors and ceilings. I'm a fan, though. They seem to be very well made, I suspect by Bagshaw, the originator of the style way back when.

I found them quite good. (Using Mike Child's needles these days, but would not hesitate to use Chamberlain's).

Bill