The "technology" of the AF Talking Station mechanism is nearly identical to that used in early phonographs, and the needles used were the same. The following stresses the need to replace the needle frequently in order to limit damage to the record. Needles are not expensive.....change them regularly!

"Steel needles should only be used for 1 to 2 plays and then discarded. They should never be used for 3 or more plays. The first time the needle is used, the tip is ground down to the shape of the record groove. By removing and then re-inserting (or turning) the needle back into the reproducer, you're creating a lathe because the needle will cut right into the sides of the groove of the record.

The technology of the time was that the tip of the steel needles would wear quickly to the shape of the groove in the record. Ground greenstone was added to the mixture of shellac and carbon black when the records were pressed in molds to be made. The greenstone acted like a pumice to come in contact with the needle and grind it to shape quickly. After two full plays of the record, the needle becomes worn down and that is when record damage starts.

We now offer "High Grade Multi-Play Nickel Plated Steel Phonograph Needles," which are made by the same manufacturer that has made phonograph needles since early phonographs were made.

The needles come in three types: soft tone, medium tone, and loud tone. The loud tone needles can be used anytime that a louder volume is desired. On worn records, soft tone needles work best. Not only do they offer a quieter sound, they also reduce the buzzing of the reproducer. The soft tone also reduces the noise created from worn spots on the record. Medium tone has a great average volume."

PARTS AVAILABILITY: You should be able to locate all parts related to the Talking Stations in our online AF PARTS CATALOG, under "STATIONS".