Re: [ARSCLIST] speaking of ye olde 78 needles ...

[Mike Richter <mrichter@xxxxxxx>]

Tom Fine wrote:
> Does anyone sell cactus needles anymore? Can those types be used in an 
> original Victrola machine (pre-RCA)? No, I don't play good condition 
> 78's on this thing, I have a whole box of Salvation Army 5 cent disks to 
> play on it, but I'm wondering if a cactus needle is slightly gentler? 
> Does it sound any better?

I've experience with cactus and thorn needles, largely from the yucca 
that used to thrive just off my front porch. They have few audible 
resonances and a pleasing, soft sound. The volume they produce is low, 
too low for those accustomed to electronic reproduction. Of course, they 
also tend to leave resin in the grooves.

May I suggest a compromise with modern plastic needles? They also have a 
pleasing sound with few blaring resonances, they are moderately loud, 
and as of a few years ago they were available. I'd like to give you a 
reference, but I've long since forgotten where I bought mine.

Incidentally, my player is a Grafonola and the yucca had to go when it 
insisted on uprooting my porch. <G>

Mike
--
mrichter@xxxxxxx
http://www.mrichter.com/