STEELCRAFT

Gramophone needles

STEELCRAFTThe 78rpm-Club2024-01-01T20:50:14+01:00

HISTORY

RECORD NEEDLE & MFG. CO.

Manhattan Bldg.
Milwaukee (WI) / USA

TYPES

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ARTICLES

STEELCRAFT – Needles Articles

NEEDLE TINS

Material and Design:
Early gramophone needles were made of steel and were intended to be replaced after each use due to wear and tear from the hard shellac records.

Sound Quality:
The quality of sound reproduction was directly influenced by the condition of the needle. A worn or damaged needle could significantly degrade the audio quality and even damage the record.

Development of Needles:
Over time, needles were made from various materials, including tungsten, chromium, and even cactus spines. Each material offered different sound qualities and durability.

Electric Phonographs:
The development of electric phonographs in the 1920s introduced new needle types, like magnetic and later ceramic cartridges, which could last much longer than their steel counterparts.