Stylus variations.

Hello all.

I purchased a couple 78 stylus for my dual 1009 turntable with pickering cartridge. The stylus I had in it was touchy and the stylus point was easily moved out of alignment both side to side as well as being weak and letting the arm touch the records at times. The other reason I was looking for something else was that the stylus point was a sort of in between size, not as small as LP but not as large as the old 78 spec's. So today the new ones finally came after the dealer had to have several tries at getting them produced correctly. Being no expert at electronic pick ups I have a couple things I wonder about. The first is that the new stylus takes a lot higher setting on the volume control to give the records the same level as the older one. Then it might be my ear, but I don't think so, they new ones seem to not have as wide a range which is the exact opposite of what I expected, plus with having to boost the volume the surface sound is some louder than the other with the same level of volumes from the record.

I don' t know if what I am hearing is typical, in that the stylus point or make up of the holder may influence the volume level, but I am most curious about the slightly lessened range and punch the larger one has? Could the fact the point would maybe be riding lower in the grove get a bit more out of the record even though I would have guessed the opposite should be true? Any thoughts on this. I do plan to call them an at least run it by them as to what I am hearing. It may all be exactly the way it should be, I haven't a clue.

Larry

Larry,
Pickering's are used in Seeburg jukeboxes, and I have never seen/heard an aftermarket stylus that worked in a Pickering, as well as the original Pickering.
Most exhibit the symptoms you describe. Why don't you see if you can find an original ? If not, you may be forced to change the cartridge---
Ron Rich

Shure M78 is a cart and stylus made for 78s and can be bought new. I have two and they work great. I also use GE VR(varible reluctance) with great success. These you buy used but you can get new styli for them and some of the carts are true mono.

The previous stylus, the smaller sized one was made in france. It was an aftermarket product and has flaws for sure, but oddly its sound is almost better for some reason. I have considered looking for a original 78 stylus for the pickering but wasn't sure how to find it. I also have never changed a cartridge out and have some qualms about trying it for some reason. I think its all the tiny wires and not being familiar with doing it.

Well Sir, you could look at the FAQ's posted directly above this series of posts, for where to buy needles----or, if you know the cartridge number, or needle number, you could attempt to "Google it" --Pickering has been closed for about 20 years now--but there are still some people selling the product--
If you are not "handy" with small things--look for a pro to help you out, as you can cause yourself more problems then it's worth.
Ron Rich

KAB carries Stanton (Pickering) cartridges with options for 78RPM.

http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/stantonhifi.htm