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Loud and Soft Needles
Loud needles have a larger size and make larger sounds. A greater thickness marked loud needles, which had "higher dynamic stiffness." This stiff loud- tone needle bent less and played a louder sound and produced a higher frequency of vibrations than a soft needle.
Steel Needles and Bamboo Needles
Steel needles became common for machines constructed from 1900 to the 1930s. The steel needle created a better tone. The bamboo, needle was introduced in 1907. This needle had ability to re-shape the tip after playing, which gave it more durability and longer wear.
Tungs-tone-styli
Steel was rationed during World War I, so Victrola had to redesign its needles. It developed needles with a tip made of tungsten to rpealce the steel tip. This new needle became known as the "Tungs-tone-styli." The term needle was not used anymore. The Tungs-tone styli was also known as the "stylus" or "styli."
Microgroove Styli
In the 1950s, a rivalry developed between RCA Victor, as the company was then called, and Columbia Records. RCA Victor created the 7-inch 45 rpm disc. The phonograph of the early part of the century was replaced with the more modern record player. A 78 and microgroove styli became standard with Victor record players. This created faster rotation to accommodate increased RPM.