Phonoland

I stumbled across this page:

http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/talkingmac ... eedle.html

Are bamboo needles easier on the record like it says? If so, I would definitely prefer them, since I can make bamboo needles all day, but my records are much more difficult to replace (if they can be replaced at all).

Is there any reason why homemade bamboo needles would NOT be a good idea?

Thank you!

Hi Konya:

I've used steel needles for years and never had a problem with excess wear. But, I limit my collection to records produced between the teens and the late 1920s-early 1930s, which were designed to be played on acoustic/mechanically amplified machines and had somewhat harder surfaces, an abrasive in the groove, etc. Also, I only play one side of a record and then change the needle.

Bamboo or Fiber needles produce a mellow tone and are not hard on records. (Whether they produce any wear has been discussed among collectors over the years, but certainly they are very gentle on the record groove.) The only requirement is that the record has to be in good condition and clean, otherwise the needle's tip will wear out before the end of the record. Of course, your sound box (reproducer) must have a triangle shaped hole to accommodate them, but most do.

If you'd like to try some beforehand, they are available from a number of sellers, including -- http://www.soundsofold.com/page/280056203

Another option is the thorn or cactus needle, which is tapered like a steel needle, and very gentle on the record. Unlike a steel needle, it can be re-pointed. These come up for sale on eBay once in awhile. There are also a few sellers in the UK, such as http://www.camcentre.co.uk/thorn-repoin ... p-185.html I don't know of anyone who sells them in the US.

Joe

I bought some of the bamboo needles from www.soundsofold.com and they work great. I got a Wade fiber needle cutter on ebay and it works like a charm to put a new point on. As stated before you need to have a clean record or you lose the clear sound before the record is over. I don't know if it is any easier on the records but some of my more prized ones I will use them from now on. Give them a try if you haven't already.
Joshua