I am trying to locate the origin of the Laubscher name and this company being Swiss sounds very interesting because it is believed that the name Laubscher has its origin in Switzerland - exactly who and how, I dont know. From there the name spread to the USA and also other countries like South Africa. Any idea when this Laubscher company started?
@oomblikkies The company still exists. They make specialty fasteners. The name is "Laubscher Prazision AG" located in Tauffelen, Switzerland. You can google the address.
I use my own homemade tungsten-tip needles on my Victor 10-50 because it has the auto changer, but I got ahold of some Pfansteil stainless steel needles that say '12 or more plays per needle'. Any opinions on these? I wonder if one of these be easier on a stack of 10 or so records to use these than a tungsten one? Then again maybe the "12+ plays" applied more to electric pickups and 40s records, vs. heavy acoustic soundboxes and more abrasive records of the 20s-30s, I dunno.
@frenchmarky I've tried several of the earlier 10-12 play needles, including Laubschers, and checked with a microscope. I've found that if the records are somewhat worn, the needles "shoulder" after 6-8 plays. If a needle (like those the Pfansteils) doesn't show wear quickly, its too hard for the records. I limit Laubschers to 6 - 12" record sides. If you want to stack up to 10 discs, I would stick to the tungstone or your own version of them. The advantage is that they are fairly soft.
Thanks a bunch, I'll only use the Pfanstiehls on a few records in a row, or for smaller stacks when using the changer. I did try one with 10 records, and indeed the tip looked like the needle had been on there too long. I don't have a microscope, just a pair of those jeweler lenses that attach to my eyeglasses.
I was wondering if there would be a way to get 1 needle from you of each of the better sounding types. I would like to see if I can get some of my engineering friends to make as close as possible, a reproduction of these needles in high quality. Also if you have any information on the composition of the needles that too would be useful. Just a thought.
This information on phonograph needles and the other video are good to know. I've wanted a phonograph for the last 7 years, but I still don't have one. But I'm glad I learned this information about wear and tear before I started using one with my 78's.
You really should try to limit yourself to an orthophonic - any size. The smaller ones are more affordable but still sound great. Make sure that it has the original reproducer. the one with 7 holes in the front cover are more desirable than those with 9 which are made with pot metal. Make sure to check for cracks on the back side. There are plenty of ortho reproducers on ebay but they're expensive.
The Laubschers are only good for about 4 to 8 plays depending on record size and condition. The Tungs-Tones are good for many dozens of plays but they are noisier.
A perfect illustration and explanation. A professional talking about the importance of the record needle. I have 78's waiting to be played. I have to wait until I can purchase a very good 78 turntable and transfer them. I watch many 78's being played at YT and I cringe every time-especially when I see a few ultra rare 78's being played.
I am trying to locate the origin of the Laubscher name and this company being Swiss sounds very interesting because it is believed that the name Laubscher has its origin in Switzerland - exactly who and how, I dont know. From there the name spread to the USA and also other countries like South Africa. Any idea when this Laubscher company started?
oomblikkies 1 year ago
@oomblikkies The company still exists. They make specialty fasteners. The name is "Laubscher Prazision AG" located in Tauffelen, Switzerland. You can google the address.
merrihew 1 year ago
I use my own homemade tungsten-tip needles on my Victor 10-50 because it has the auto changer, but I got ahold of some Pfansteil stainless steel needles that say '12 or more plays per needle'. Any opinions on these? I wonder if one of these be easier on a stack of 10 or so records to use these than a tungsten one? Then again maybe the "12+ plays" applied more to electric pickups and 40s records, vs. heavy acoustic soundboxes and more abrasive records of the 20s-30s, I dunno.
frenchmarky 1 year ago
@frenchmarky I've tried several of the earlier 10-12 play needles, including Laubschers, and checked with a microscope. I've found that if the records are somewhat worn, the needles "shoulder" after 6-8 plays. If a needle (like those the Pfansteils) doesn't show wear quickly, its too hard for the records. I limit Laubschers to 6 - 12" record sides. If you want to stack up to 10 discs, I would stick to the tungstone or your own version of them. The advantage is that they are fairly soft.
merrihew 1 year ago
Thanks a bunch, I'll only use the Pfanstiehls on a few records in a row, or for smaller stacks when using the changer. I did try one with 10 records, and indeed the tip looked like the needle had been on there too long. I don't have a microscope, just a pair of those jeweler lenses that attach to my eyeglasses.
frenchmarky 1 year ago
I was wondering if there would be a way to get 1 needle from you of each of the better sounding types. I would like to see if I can get some of my engineering friends to make as close as possible, a reproduction of these needles in high quality. Also if you have any information on the composition of the needles that too would be useful. Just a thought.
perrin26 2 years ago
This information on phonograph needles and the other video are good to know. I've wanted a phonograph for the last 7 years, but I still don't have one. But I'm glad I learned this information about wear and tear before I started using one with my 78's.
1947Desoto 3 years ago
You really should try to limit yourself to an orthophonic - any size. The smaller ones are more affordable but still sound great. Make sure that it has the original reproducer. the one with 7 holes in the front cover are more desirable than those with 9 which are made with pot metal. Make sure to check for cracks on the back side. There are plenty of ortho reproducers on ebay but they're expensive.
merrihew 3 years ago
I Perfer To Use Victor Tungs-Tone Needles Beacuse Like Your Laubscher Needles,They Can Be Used For Multiple Plays.
glennmillerfan 3 years ago
The Laubschers are only good for about 4 to 8 plays depending on record size and condition. The Tungs-Tones are good for many dozens of plays but they are noisier.
merrihew 3 years ago
Perfect and highly interesting presentation, thank you!
kspm01 3 years ago
A perfect illustration and explanation. A professional talking about the importance of the record needle. I have 78's waiting to be played. I have to wait until I can purchase a very good 78 turntable and transfer them. I watch many 78's being played at YT and I cringe every time-especially when I see a few ultra rare 78's being played.
tHEnOOSEsWINGS 3 years ago
What a Very Practical Information it is!....Thanks for posting!
transformingArt 3 years ago