Needles

Howdy! Just got my first victrola, and I have an abundance of needles.
I have been experimenting with all the different gauges, and am curious
how to know what is proper? If its anything like my vinyl needles, i would guess that the larger "tube" would be a deeper tone? Or is it a year of the disc that is playing? DAVE

There were basically 4 different needle tips out there:

1. The standard 3 mil tip which lasted for one side

2. The .5 mil tip used for Edison Diamond Discs

3. The 7 mil tip needed for Pathe's vertical records

4. The 3 mil osmium tip used in acoustic record changers (50 plays)

The shanks had various designs for three reasons:

- To fit different players.

- Controlling loudness.

- Vertical or lateral play (vertical needles were often shorter)

Notice also that there were four kinds of soundboxes:

- Lateral (the diaphragm faces one side)

- Vertical (the diaphragm faces down or to the front)

- Compatible (the diaphragm is tilted at a 45 degree angle - Emerson)

- Switchable (the assembly can be set for a vertical or lateral configuration with a control)

Dave wrote:Howdy! Just got my first victrola, and I have an abundance of needles.
I have been experimenting with all the different gauges, and am curious
how to know what is proper? If its anything like my vinyl needles, i would guess that the larger "tube" would be a deeper tone? Or is it a year of the disc that is playing? DAVE

In the older steel needles the thicker ones were for a louder tone and most suitible for pre-electric recordings. The thinner ones were softer tones and generally sound better with early electics. They are easilly available and should be discarded after each play or they will do harm to the records.

That is very good information- sure hate to hear after every play but I do understand. I also have an early Voice of Music player and just got two replacement saphire stylus', how many Plays Or hours is suggested on this unit- Also what is the best way to test tubes- I just got an old tabletop webcor R-R and it needs a little assistance- It plays one track tapa. Again Thaks Everyone-DAVE

A sapphire is usually good for about 100 hours. A diamond is usually good for 400 to 500 hours.