Littmann Classic II vs. Master Classic II

[ErinRena]

I need help deciding between these two, then I'm ordering one asap!

I wonder - how does the simple variations of pressure on the Master Classic work versus the standard turning over the bell of the plain Classic? I like the idea of not having to manually turn the bell over.

Anyone prefer the Master? I found this one that I like:

http://www.reddingmedical.com/29_Littmann_Master_Classic_II_Stethoscope__2144.cfm?id=29&step=4&lastcatid=13

[mcknis]

The only plus I see with the Master Classic is that it follows the line of cardiology scopes while still being lighter weight than those cardiology scopes. The Classic does have both a bell and diaphragm, so it can be easily used between peds and adults. The Master classic can also be used on little ones, but works easier with the Classic. I do like both of these scopes, but for versatility and weight (which really matters after 12 hours of work) I like the Classic 2 better. just my opinion

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

The Classic does have both a bell and diaphragm, so it can be easily used between peds and adults.

Keep in mind that whether you listen with bell or diaphragm should depend on whether you are listening to high-frequency tones or low-frequency tones, not on the size of the patient. It's not designed so that one acts as a pediatric side and the other acts as an adult side.

[mcknis]

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Ohhh, Sorry. Thanks for the info.

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

Well, I'm sorry then because both Littmann and me are confused.

Their literature quotes:

Outstanding acoustics and exceptional versatility characterize the Littmann® Cardiology III Stethoscope. The innovative design offers a patented tunable diaphragm on each side of the adult and pediatric chestpiece. The pediatric side of the bell converts to a traditional bell by simply replacing the diaphragm with the non-chill bell sleeve included with each stethoscope

- Two patented tunable diaphragms, one adult and one pediatric, conveniently alternate between low and high frequency sounds without turning over the chestpiece.

- Solid stainless steel chestpiece.

- Two-in-one tube design eliminates tube rubbing noise.

- Excellent acoustic seal and comfortable fit with patented Littmann® Snap-Tight soft-sealing eartips.

- Comfortably angled, anatomically correct headset.

- Patient-friendly, non-chill rim and diaphragm.

- Available in a selection of classic tube colors.

- Five-year warranty.

Unquote.

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Yeah, sometimes you have two chestpieces that act as both diaphragms and bells (depending on how hard you're pressing). That would be an advantage for peds, but simply the presence of a bell side and a diaphragm side doesn't make it a better peds scope.

[anonymurse]

My MC2 is gathering dust somewhere since I got my Thinklabs ds32a electronic scope. It's a "night and day" difference in comparison to acoustic scopes, so much more distinct. A friend bought a Cardionics E-Scope and uses it with over-the-ear headphones. It's awesome too.

[grdmdb]

do you use the diaphram for the abdomen and the bell for the apical?

and is the diaphram the best for brachial blood pressures?

g

[angel1qu3]

I don't know anything about the Master Classic II but I have the Littmann Classic II and I honestly love it. When I tried using my instructor's more expensive, powerful stethoscope, I did not like it at all, I couldn't hear things right with it which is odd. I became a little attached to mine! :heartbeat

[mcknis]

do you use the diaphram for the abdomen and the bell for the apical?

and is the diaphram the best for brachial blood pressures?

g

It truly depends on what works better for you. Usually the diaphragm is used for bowel sounds (abdomen) and it is also used for apical heart rates, but some may use the bell. The correct use during blood pressures is to auscultate with the bell (what the books state), instead of the diaphragm,but many do not use the bell (usually easier to hear with the diaphragm).

The diaphragm is also used for lung sounds. Only reason I use the bell is if I am having difficulty finding an apical heart rate, or if I am trying to detect a murmur on a very large person. (The bell usually helps to differentiate heart sounds better than the diaphragm.)