The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Has anyone had any experience with OC/DC needles?

If yes, what are they like?

I am often tempted by their whimsical needle tins.
https://luke2470.wixsite.com/website/shop

At GBP£14.99 for 100 needles, albeit in a fancy tin, I will not be trying them. Look closely at the image on the tin. Either it is the wrong way round or the gramophone is designed for left hand winding . I will stick to unused old stock from HMV et al, or those supplied by fellow member Soundgen.

Soundgen needles are very good quality and much cheaper, especially if you buy them in bulk (5000 or 10000) which have additional discount. I use the soft tone mostly, and they sound very beautiful

epigramophone wrote: Wed Jul 12, 2023 1:20 pm At GBP£14.99 for 100 needles, albeit in a fancy tin, I will not be trying them. Look closely at the image on the tin. Either it is the wrong way round or the gramophone is designed for left hand winding . I will stick to unused old stock from HMV et al, or those supplied by fellow member Soundgen.

Thank you for the reply.

Yes, the graphic artist has referenced the classic HMV Nipper image, with its left/right orientation of talking machine and dog, but without paying close attention to the structure of the HMV machine, the arm and horn, and has thus inadvertently created an improbable and highly dubious southpaw generic sort of machine. The image probably looked better to the general public with the crank visible. And perhaps it was legally advisable not to copy the HMV, now RCA Victor, logo too closely.

I, too, use vintage needles and have a sizeable bulk stock of them. It could be wishful thinking on my part, but I do feel that they sound better--different steel alloys, different carbon content, different resonance? Don't know. The do sound great, though.

I also use and highly recommend the needles offered by member, Soundgen. I have culled through them extensively and have yet to find a single defective one with a malformed tip. Excellent needles. Great, prompt service.

Yes, the OC/DC needles are very expensive, But I have paid more on occasion for interesting vintage needle tins, most partially full with a hazardous mix of unused and used needles.

I still find the tins slightly enticing. LOL

Lah Ca wrote: Wed Jul 12, 2023 1:46 pm And perhaps it was legally advisable not to copy the HMV, now RCA Victor, logo too closely.

Since they used an image of a Columbia BI Serling I'd say they're safe.

JerryVan wrote: Wed Jul 12, 2023 5:54 pm

Lah Ca wrote: Wed Jul 12, 2023 1:46 pm And perhaps it was legally advisable not to copy the HMV, now RCA Victor, logo too closely.

Since they used an image of a Columbia BI Serling I'd say they're safe.

As safe as they are from Angus Young and Co. -- dirty deeds done dirty cheap.

In the UK, the HMV trade mark still belongs to HMV -- even though that is the name of a chain of record shops rather than a company making gramophones.

My son tried to order some for me as a present. They took payment at their EBay shop but never shipped. He had to apply to EBay for a refund.

Lah Ca wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 2:03 pm My son tried to order some for me as a present. They took payment at their EBay shop but never shipped. He had to apply to EBay for a refund.

Dirty deeds...

Ludicrously expensive. And when you click on the link (in the original post in this thread) the picture/logo is of A CRAPOPHONE the wrong way round!