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Fibre Needles were compressed ?

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2021 6:45 am
by poodling around
I came across this advert from 1925.

Presumably for bamboo needles - although I have never seen them described as 'cane needles' before ?

So, were bamboo fibre needles actually compressed ? I can understand that this might increase the strength and improve the acoustic sound. But I can't understand how the outer layer of bamboo could be compressed without breaking it.

I don't think I have ever come across this either as a 'technique'. 'Doping' yes. Compression 'no'.

Am I missing something here ?

(I have never heard of gramophone needles being referred to as 'reproducing points' either, but hey, there is literally ino limit to my various levels of ignorance :D )

Re: Fibre Needles were compressed ?

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2021 1:18 pm
by bearcat
Advertising hyperbole.
I am just an old retired guy with lots of time to think about things and make stuff up, but...
If the triangular shape was cut or extruded through a die made with sharp cutting edges, this 'could' be considered 'compression'.
Did they regulate the compression somehow? Maybe.
Sounds good, made a difference?

bob stutz

Re: Fibre Needles were compressed ?

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2021 1:43 pm
by epigramophone
Technobabble is nothing new.
The June 2018 APS magazine contained a seven page article on the history and manufacture of fibre needles.
Nowhere in the description of the manufacturing process is there any mention of "compression".

Re: Fibre Needles were compressed ?

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2021 3:44 pm
by Curt A
That ad made you think: "Oh no, I can't make my own out of that old cane fishing pole, because I don't know how to compress them..." :?

Re: Fibre Needles were compressed ?

Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2021 2:38 pm
by OrthoFan
I did find this: FROM: https://www.moso-bamboo.com/us/bamboo/h ... roduction/

"Compressing bamboo can be done in various ways

Depending on the type of product, dimensions, and required color of bamboo, compression can be done in cold-press or hot-press systems. Each type of glue needs a certain temperature during compression to cure. Additionally, the way bamboo strands are placed in the molds has an effect on the stability and look of the final product. Well-trained MOSO® quality controllers test the material after this important production step to ensure the quality of the final product. It is hardly possible to do this without laboratory tests."

I also found references to a steam compression method, as well as a simple method involving moisture extraction from the fibers by drying the bamboo.

Whether Victor used any type of treatment processes, I don't know.

I've been told by some old time collectors, ideally, bamboo needles should be stored in containers along with silica gel crystals in order to prevent moisture build-up.

OF

Re: Fibre Needles were compressed ?

Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2021 3:15 pm
by poodling around
OrthoFan wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 2:38 pm I did find this: FROM: https://www.moso-bamboo.com/us/bamboo/h ... roduction/

"Compressing bamboo can be done in various ways

Depending on the type of product, dimensions, and required color of bamboo, compression can be done in cold-press or hot-press systems. Each type of glue needs a certain temperature during compression to cure. Additionally, the way bamboo strands are placed in the molds has an effect on the stability and look of the final product. Well-trained MOSO® quality controllers test the material after this important production step to ensure the quality of the final product. It is hardly possible to do this without laboratory tests."

I also found references to a steam compression method, as well as a simple method involving moisture extraction from the fibers by drying the bamboo.

Whether Victor used any type of treatment processes, I don't know.

I've been told by some old time collectors, ideally, bamboo needles should be stored in containers along with silica gel crystals in order to prevent moisture build-up.

OF
Absolutely fascinating !

Thank you so very much for researching this and providing a great link.