The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

There's no worry about getting needles - tons of places sell them. Is there any difference regarding quality? Also, how many different makers are there/where are they made?

Yes, there are huge differences with steel needles.
There are not only different strengths available but also from different manufacturers and suppliers.
I prefer soft tone needles in general because they cause less wear to the record and provide sufficient volume on my phonograph.

I prefer the soft tone Bry-O-Phonics which are nickle plated. Unlike some sellers on eBay claim, these are also only for one side per needle, not 5 or more. The nickel makes them more shiny and provides an excellent protection against rust which is a well-known problem with steel needles.

However, I don't like the medium loud needles of this brand. They do have a relatively flat and straight angle which certainly wears the groove much faster. These do have the shape of a pen. About 90% of the medium and loud needles from other sources do have the very same unfavorable "pen" shape. I use such needles only for earlier pre-1912 record which often have a wider groove.

For louder volume (which is sometimes necessary) I use the medium needles sold by Allotria which are astonishingly close to the original Victor needles. They have wider double angle which seems to be way more gentle to the record.

Ditto WDC on the Bry-O-Phonic soft tones. I've used hundreds of them on my VV-XI w/Exhibition. Only once did I find a defective one, but it was serious: no point (two blunt ends)! I do check each and every one now before using.

I had not realized that the Bry-O mediums were not ideal. I use them only very very seldom, maybe now I won't use them at all. Anybody want a few dozen mediums and loud tones? Haven't used a loud tone in ages.

Well, Henry, it just depends on the record you want to play. But I already got rid of mine and only use the mentioned soft and mediums frequently.

Here's what I meant with the both medium needle types. The lower is the pen-shape which I do not prefer at all. The medium and loud Bry-O-Phonics have the very same shape plus nickel plating. The medium needle above is the type that matches the original Victor needles best. They do also differ slightly in thickness and length but it's really the better angle shape that really matters.

Thanks for the pix---very helpful. Yes, I'd say that 90%+ of the records I play sound just fine with soft-tones (even so, some are still very loud indeed), but the occasional acoustic recording does need a little boost with a medium or (rarely) loud.

I think the steel needles you describe as pen-shaped actually look more like a pencil that just has been sharpened. I checked those Alliotra needles on Ebay, but they are rather expensive: EUR 15 for a tin of 200? Their records also look a little pricey, EUR 50 for Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" is a lot of money, even for a record in E condition. But I have been told that 78's are much more expensive in Germany than in other parts of Europe. I should sell my unwanted 78's on ebay.de!

I compared the medium tone needles I use to your pictures, and they seem to have the correct shape. I bought a big plastic box of them at http://www.zwarteschijf.nl, 2500 needles for EUR 35! If you buy them in tins they're EUR 8 for 200 needles, but buying in bulk (and without the tins) is a lot cheaper.

That's absolutely as long as they have the same shape. Yes, prices are generally higher in Germany than in the US. You can also buy a Tschaikowsky selection on Columbia from a different dealer for just 99 Euros. As you know, what matters is what you sell, not what you want to sell. Look at a dealer's feedback and you'll see the success (or not).

You gave an excellent example by looking up on eBay. Over the past years, eBay has continuously increased their prices plus extended restrictions like Paypal enforcement. This has caused even many private sellers to spiff up their prices. If you count everything together what eBay/Paypal charges, you'll often find a percentage of about 20% of the total with shipping. And as a dealer you are forced by law to give a warranty of 1 year, even for 100 year old items. You will certainly make a better deal by contacting a dealer directly before clicking the Buy it now button.

But back to the needles. I bought my Bry-O-Phonics from the Victrola Repair Service. Of course, you'll have to deal with shipping and customs.

Guys, I never knew there was so much to learn about steele needles. I don't use them much so next time I will definitely make sure I buy good ones, even if they are more costly.

Very valuable information! Thanks alot.

I know that Norm and Bart at least are in Europe, possibly others of you. This posting illustrates the value of a broad based, international forum. (See my related post in "The Proboards ate my Forum"

Regards,
Valecnik, (The Czamerican)

Thanks for all this information about sources of good new steel needles. I need to get some and have been looking at buying some new old stock off ebay...although the cost of buying them this way has been putting me off...but these recommendations of sources of new needles is great. Thanks
Nik

I just love to play around with different needle styles, it's pure fun and very informative too. Electrola had some very beautiful pickup needles which were copper plated and came with a nice red shine.