In order to best explain the versatility of the Stanton and Pickering lines of Stereo Cartridges and the distinctive interchangeability of styli; a brief history lesson is in order:

Norman Pickering, an acoustical/ electrical engineer and classically trained (Julliard) violinist, arguably invented the high fidelity, magnetic cartridge. I say arguably as many individuals were simultaneously working on similar products but Pickering’s was the first to reach the consumer market.  In 1945 he founded Pickering & Company in Oceanside, LI, New York.  The Pickering cartridge was fitted with a heavy tracking, sapphire stylus with a relatively short life. Changing the stylus required returning the cartridge to the factory. This would have been nothing more than an inconvenience to most customers but Pickering’s soon to be, single largest customer needed something different.

In 1947, the Seeburg Corporation of Chicago, renowned manufacturer of coin phonographs, put out a request for quote to the audio industry. Seeburg wanted a two sided magnetic cartridge with user changeable styli for use in their new 100 selection jukebox.  Pickering rose to the challenge and developed a clunky, problematic yet functional device commonly known as the “Seeburg Blackhead”. In the days when all contemporary recorded music was on 78’s, the idea of a 100 selection jukebox seemed rather silly. What no one knew, however, was that Seeburg was working privately with RCA to develop a new format: the 45.  With the joint introduction in 1949 of the Seeburg Select-O-Matic M100B and the RCA 45 RPM record; the recorded music industry changed forever.

The Pickering cartridge was the weak link in the chain. At this time, the Seeburg Model B was the only thing in the world that would play a 45 and jukebox route men were unable to change the needles, or even get them to stay in during normal operation.  Seeburg and RCA were not happy. Walter O. Stanton had developed a consumer, turntable cartridge with a unique and easy to change, slide in/ out stylus. Pickering already had the license to sell Stanton’s product but had not given it much credence here-to-fore. Could the Stanton design be the answer?  History tells us yes. In fact, Walter Stanton purchased Pickering & Company in 1950 and owned and operated it, as well as Stanton Magnetics until shortly before his death in 2001.

This unlikely union of amusement and music formed the cornerstone of the Stanton / Pickering versatility. One cartridge can serve a multitude of needs merely by sliding in an easy to change stylus. Functionality is rarely the casualty of obsolescence and these two great marques will continue to provide years of enjoyment to audiophiles.

                                                                   © 2007 Edward Saunders