Phonoland

I thought I'd compile some lists providing answers to frequently asked questions. One of the questions that comes up most often concerns where to buy a needle/stylus for an electric gramophone/phonograph. To start things off, I've included a few sites:


Garage-A-Records -- http://www.garage-a-records.com/?cat=11

The Needle Doctor -- http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Stor ... ent-Stylus

KAB-USA -- http://www.kabusa.com/

Everything Radio -- http://www.everythingradio.com/Record_P ... eedles.htm

Most will help you identify the specific stylus or cartridge you need.

I'd like this to grow to a comprehensive (world-wide) list, so please feel free to add your favorite supplier.

Great Idea! Here's one.


stores.ebay.ca/CAROLES-NEEDLES

I would also like to chime in here...just part of a posting I made back in March of 2006, "Magnavox Astro-Sonic Needles -- $4.99/$5.99". I haven't checked lately and prices may be different now, but it could still help the newbies out there. This is from Radio Shack.


If you remove the cartridge you may find serveral numbers on it.

1. If you have an Electro-Voice 275 cartridge, there may also be the Magnavox numbers 560344 or 560345. The catalog number for the needle is 42-2856 --$5.99.


2. If you have an Astatic 165D cartridge, it may have the Magnavox number 560354-2. The catalog number for the needle is 42-2857 -- $4.99.

3. There is also a single snap-in needle which fits EV/Mag cartridges 560336-1, 560346-1 and 560347-1. This will also fit an EV275 if you prefer not to have an extra needle. Catalog number 42-2837 -- $4.99.


It seems like all these cartridges are similar with very subtle differences and a lot of the needles are interchangeable. Sears, GE and others used these styls of cartridges in their units. Each needle package lists cross-references to several cartridges and replacement needles which may help.



Just my two cents to contribute to the restoration and maintenance of these wonderful instruments.

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

http://WWW.needles4jukeboxes.com --also sells needles for phonographs at http://www.needles4turntables.com-- Ron Rich

Another great source is www.west-techservices.com. They have a vast variety of NOS needles and styli as well as the service of rebuilding crystal cartridges for your vintage phonograph. They now also repair the 1941 and 1942 Beam of Light changers. They also rebuild the BOL heads. Many radio cutters and radios for sale as well.

I've used needles4jukeboxes and would recommend them. Great service and fast and very reasonable shipping. Then again, a needle isn't very heavy.

If you are ever in the Minneapolis area, the needle doctor's store is in Dinkytown, right by the U of M. Very neat place. Bought stuff from them for years.

I have had very good luck with "Bluz Brothers" (google it). They have helped me get 78 stylus for my Dual an even order a whole set from france to choose the best one for me. Plus they have also just provided a replacement for my Elac turntable from the 60's. From talking with Alan at their site I have a feeling they try to provide good quality and avoid the low end generic replacements.

Their phone number is 1 800 530 3857

Larry

I agree with the post about Carols Needles on ebay. I got a replacement needle there for about $8 recently. It made a huge difference in the sound of the Maggie I just got up and running again! They had the exact needle I needed and got it out to me very quickly. I ordered a second one after putting the first one in and hearing it play. Great person to deal with.