Stylus/ needle

I never had a record player fancy enough to call the needle a stylus, but thats just the newbie pouring out of me. I have a question....what is better sapphire or diamond needles? My guess is diamond but the needles I have bought for my Seeburg 100 A has always been sapphire.

What would be the best stylus for a Seeburg 100 A black head 78 cartridge and where's a good place to buy them?

Thanks,

Larry.

Hi Larry,
Just to be more fancy--Seeburgs use "Stilii"--NOT a "needle", or "Stylus"--and YES that is spelt good !
Seriously, if you are using an original model A phono, playing 78 rpm records of the 1948-9 version, you should be using a "2 mil" needle. If playing older 78's a 3 mil is suggested, and if newer, a 1 mil needle is needed. In the past, the sapphire tip was all that was available. Then "diamond" tips became available--expensive, just because they were new, or just because someone had control over the price--I don't know. Anyway about the early, to mid 60's the price for (man-made) diamonds, dropped to that of the sapphs., or lower. Today, if you find "Gen-u-whine" Seeburgs (Pickering made), they will be the saph, 2 mill type ( I think?). Aftermarket's were made in all sizes, and materials. If "newly made" today, I believe only diamonds are available. Check with the sellers prior to buying, if you have preferences.
Diamonds supposedly remain sharp about ten times longer then sapphires--sapphs are "softer" on records ( till they loose shape !).
And--Oh, BTW-You still do not own a "fancy record player" -- You own a mechanical marvel that is called a "Coin Operated Phonograph" (or a "Jukebox",by law!).
Ron Rich

Thanks Ron. I'm beggining to think you're the only one on this site I appreciate the answers.

I do own a fancy record player......my Seeburg 200C-1

Actually, my first machine that played records , was a Wurlitzer One More Time which I was fortunate enough to win off of an oldies radio station in Chicago, Il. Unfortunately, I sold it to give my folks money for their 50th wedding anniversary. It was a nice "coin operated phonograph. "

No-there are a number of guyz here--
Your OMT did use a "stylus"--but, IMHO, since you were able to get $$ for it, you are probably better off, as the OMT's don't seem to age well ---
Yes--I was wrong, again,--you do own a "record player"--not a jukebox--
Ron Rich