Hi All, I happened to run across these needles and was curious to see if anybody had any experiences with them? These are modern antique phonograph needles made in Japan by a precision jewelry manufacturer called JICO. The company, aside from precision jewelry bits, apparently makes styli for the retro hi-fi / audiophile market.
In keeping with the recent trend/interest in Japan in antique phonographs (some may have seen the hobby kits coming out of Japan allowing you to build your own "Edison," or other mechanically powered model gramophones), JICO is making carbon steel acoustic phonograph needles called "Eagle." http://jico.co.jp/product/ http://shop.jico.co.jp/accessories/ I can't read Japanese, but from what I can decipher via my Google translation plug-in, these "Eagle" carbon steel needles are designed for 8-10 plays. They even package them in 50's style Japanese tins (modern graphics, but old style, sliding cover tins). Has anybody had a chance to try these? I know very well we have contemporary US and European needle manufacturers, but this is the first I've seen of some coming out of Asia and not in a "knock-off" or counterfeit vein. These are being made via hi-end Japan, not the darkened alleys of China or India. If anything, a curious FYI. The quest for multiplay needles, the sequel. :-) Arvin _______________________________________________ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
