The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello everybody.
I was on Facebook Marketplace recently and saw this ad for an HMV 102, that showed some of the needles that came with it. While this picture shows some abused Tungstone/Tungstyle styluses, it also shows this weird needle bent into a squiggle. I have a feeling it could also be something done at home, due to the fact the other styluses are bent, but have any of you ever seen one of these before?

The "squiggly" needle is the Ondulette brand. I have a full tin of them and I think I've used one of them. The two needles on the far left are Tungstone, and their tips have been bent.

CharliePhono wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 10:53 pm The "squiggly" needle is the Ondulette brand. I have a full tin of them and I think I've used one of them. The two needles on the far left are Tungstone, and their tips have been bent.

Thank you!

You're very welcome!

I had no idea the squiglies existed - thank you for enlightening me!

I was intrigued by the design of the Ondulette needles. I believe I got them off eBay some time ago by way of either England or Germany. These are actually quite thin and delicate looking, ("extra zart"=soft tone, I presume) and I'm not sure what the reason was for their unique design. In any case, I don't think they turn up that often.