The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

If you have either of these on offer or know of an on-line source, please post. Many thanks.

If you have any honey locust trees near you, the thorns from those work. I have been using them without any issues.

GrafonolaG50 wrote:If you have any honey locust trees near you, the thorns from those work. I have been using them without any issues.

Thanks for the input but I have nothing like that in my area. I'm hoping for a source of needles that are appropriately cured.

Query eBay for "bamboo needles phonograph" and you will see newly made needles by seller "HMV203". In the past, he has sold needles from fresh bamboo and also premium needles made from much harder bamboo that is 200 years old.

The guy in Sweden selling this item also makes and sells bamboo needles: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-rubber-conn ... Swxp9W2XnF

He doesn't seem to have any listed at present, but you could contact him.

A quick google found this...

http://www.soundsofold.com/product/Bamboo5

They seem really expensive but can be sharpened and reused.

donniej wrote:A quick google found this...

http://www.soundsofold.com/product/Bamboo5

They seem really expensive but can be sharpened and reused.

The best, quickest and easiest way to "sharpen" a bamboo needle is to buy an original needle trimmer. They slice off a thin sliver from the tip to make a perfect point.

Many thanks for all your responses. I have tried the needles from ebay and found them to be not good at all. Even when freshly trimmed, they produce the dreaded black dust of death; obviously not well cured. I shall try the soundsofold and give a review.

I contacted the guy in Sweden and he is out of stock, will be away on vacation, and should have them available again after August.
Allen

I've used self-made bamboo and thorn needles for a few years. The black dust dredged up with needle-played records will happen with any fiber needle, IMO.
In my experience it should lessen over subsequent plays unless the groove is worn.
Bamboo and thorn density naturally varies, of course. Those that don't pass muster are discarded. Good ones are used down to the nubs!
Bob