The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've had these needles around for awhile-- I can't find out who made them---- and why? Any help?
Thanks!
Brad Abell

1) Flattened Shank-- 2) Steel with what appears to be gun blue (picture looks more black, but they are dark, like gun bluing.)
Was it just for looks or was there a sound benefit?

1) These are Spear Point needles. With the thin profile parallel to the record grooves the needle flexed, giving a soft tone.
When turned to the thick profile the tone was louder. At least that was the theory.

2) I have no idea.

Want some more?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234008081368?h ... R-CejJSNYw

Could be that the blue finish is due to any kind of tempering prices to provide hardness.

Thanks guys!!! I'm embarrassed I didn't know about the Columbia Spear-Points.. I've seen them over the years, but never in a tin or pack... Great to know--

The blued ones?? Who knows? I'm going to play a record and see how one sounds..

Thanks again!
Brad Abell

outune wrote: Fri Dec 15, 2023 9:54 am Thanks guys!!! I'm embarrassed I didn't know about the Columbia Spear-Points.. I've seen them over the years, but never in a tin or pack... Great to know--

The blued ones?? Who knows? I'm going to play a record and see how one sounds..

Thanks again!
Brad Abell

Blueing is sometimes used as a rust preventative. It's also pretty, so maybe it's only for that reason. A marketing ploy that "got you to look".