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Apologies if this topic has been covered before (I did a search and found nothing), but I have a number of "long life" needles -- rated, according to their packaging, for 1,000-2,000 plays -- made by Pfanstiehl, RCA Victor, etc., and I'm wondering what others think of these. These are not "Tungs-Tone" type needles with a slender tungsten "stinger" that wears down, but a more solid stylus of unknown (to me) composition. I use these with early changers, when changing a steel needle for every disc is not practical, and they sound fine to me. What are they made of? Do they damage records? Are they really good for that many plays? If anyone has pictures of their own, with or without packaging, I would interested in seeing them; and I will be happy to post pictures of mine if others are interested. Thanks!

eighteenbelow wrote: Thu Aug 12, 2021 7:24 pm Apologies if this topic has been covered before (I did a search and found nothing), but I have a number of "long life" needles -- rated, according to their packaging, for 1,000-2,000 plays -- made by Pfanstiehl, RCA Victor, etc., and I'm wondering what others think of these. These are not "Tungs-Tone" type needles with a slender tungsten "stinger" that wears down, but a more solid stylus of unknown (to me) composition. I use these with early changers, when changing a steel needle for every disc is not practical, and they sound fine to me. What are they made of? Do they damage records? Are they really good for that many plays? If anyone has pictures of their own, with or without packaging, I would interested in seeing them; and I will be happy to post pictures of mine if others are interested. Thanks!

Well, for starters, this recent thread may prove instructive: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=50233

They are record eaters.
Even in the electric pick-ups they were designed for.

According to the Pfanstiehl brochure I have, the tips are made from "Pfanstiehl alloy- a union of rare and precious metals more costly than platinum and with an atomic grain structure so microscopically fine and tenacious that long wear only adds to its high polish and burnished smoothness".

So it's probably a well guarded secret formular of the metallurgical division of Pfanstiehl Chemical Co, Illinois.

How about chromium needles? I have some Deccas and some RCA's and both packages say they should be good for 25 plays or more. RCA specifies that they're for "long playing records," though I can't imagine they actually mean LP's -- I would guess these needles are from before WWII.

eighteenbelow wrote: Sun Aug 15, 2021 8:08 pm How about chromium needles? I have some Deccas and some RCA's and both packages say they should be good for 25 plays or more. RCA specifies that they're for "long playing records," though I can't imagine they actually mean LP's -- I would guess these needles are from before WWII.

Not good for shellac records, 1890s - 1935ish... Decca and RCA are later brands. Use steel needles and change them after each play. OR, play them on a modern turntable with the correct cartridge.

eighteenbelow wrote: Sun Aug 15, 2021 8:08 pm How about chromium needles? I have some Deccas and some RCA's and both packages say they should be good for 25 plays or more. RCA specifies that they're for "long playing records," though I can't imagine they actually mean LP's -- I would guess these needles are from before WWII.

They are meant for magnetic pickup changers. Victor made an LP from 1930-34 or so called a "Program Transcription" that wasn't in production long due to cost plus the Depression. Some of the early all electric changers are two- speed, 78 RPM and 33 ⅓. These also were super expensive.
They made two types of Program Transcriptions- shellac and "Victrolac", which was a flexible lightweight lacquer much like vinyl. Victrolac pressings are often found severely worn due to the early pickups and chromium needles being very hard on them.

There was a Gold Chromium needle that was supposedly for the early LPs, but the shellac ones do play just fine with the regular Chromium. I wouldn't play a Victrolac one even with a gold chromium needle, frankly.

I use Tungstone and Chromium needles exclusively and haven't had any severe record wear from either. I usually change Chromiums after about 25 playings.