The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,

I am looking for diamond needles for my gramophone. I recently acquired an HMV 4047E and would like to upgrade or replace the current needles to improve sound quality and ensure proper maintenance of my 78 rpm records.

If anyone has information on where I can find authentic diamond needles or suitable alternatives, or if you have any recommendations on specific brands or suppliers, I would greatly appreciate your help.

Thank you in advance!

Diamond needles don't play well with an acoustic gramophone. You might want to try fiber or thorn instead.

so I shouldn't try shapir or tungsten needle ?

in fact all I want is juste to not have to change the needle anytime I want a record.

Tungsten needles are the only option if you don’t want to keep changing the needle. Diamond and sapphire (jewel tipped) needles will damage your records on an acoustic machine.

Fibre or thorn needles will help preserve your records but do require resharpening after every play.

so from what I understand from what you said, I should t take the tungsten one? that's right?

Tungsten needles are a little controversial. I made some a few years ago and I found them excellent on well-tracking machines but not so good on poor tracking machines. Folks will have different opinions on them.

The problem is getting hold of them as they’re no longer made. You would have to look on eBay.

thanks, I will try tungsten needle

An intermediate option are the "long play needles", that may play up to ten sides. These also are no longer made, and have to be searched on eBay or elsewhere. It's a bit tricky as many sellers today refill genuine period tins with new needles (of variable quality...) so you might not know what you're really getting, unless you already are a needle expert.

In any case, whichever type of reusable needle will increase record wear in one way or another. On the other hand, use-only-once needles of very high quality are still manufactured today and are easily available at very reasonable prices. Changing the needle with each record is part of the gramophone experience and, on my side, I suggest you to do so.

It is the needle that wears out and not the record, so disposable needles are better for your records than permanent ones.
Besides that, the good design of the tonearm and good leveling and tracking, and a good soundbox, are a must if you want your records to last many plays.