Littmann Master Classic vs. Classic II S.E.

[shyviolet78, LPN, LVN]

Well, after one semester, I've decided I hate my Littmann Lightweight and I'm in the market for an upgrade. I know the Master Classic has more features, but as far as acoustics, does anyone know if it is equal to the Classic? I'm willing to pay the extra $20 or so for the Master, but not if the only extra feature is the tunable diaphragm, it's not that big of a deal to turn it over. I plan on getting a Master Cardiology 'scope when I graduate anyway (wish I could afford it now!), so that'll be 3 stethoscopes in 2 years! So, owners of the Master Classic and Classic 2, please weigh in with opinions on your stethoscopes! Thanks!

[jschut, BSN, RN]

Hubby bought me the Classic II SE for Christmas... and I like it, although I have discovered that you barely need to touch the patient in order to hear, whereas with my old one, I had to really hold it on the person in order to hear, and I was doing the same thing with my new one....not a good thing.

I think you would like it! :)

[cheripa]

I have a master classic II! I like it! But some of my fellow students have the classic, and I think it's better to learn on that cause you can hear a little more clearer than the classic II.

But it's preference..... I'm going to keep using my Classic II... I'll get the swing of only using the one sided bell! :)

[nekhismom]

I have the master classic II. It's great. It's very sensitive, and you gotta love the one sided thing!

[ER hippie]

I've been using the classic II for a few months now, and I love it!!! The acoustics are top notch, its very comfortable, and I love the ergonomic design. Not having to switch back and forth between the bell and diaphragm is nice, too. The only thing I've found is that its a little too good to use on the ambulance(I also do EMS). Its so sensitive that its hard to hear the pt over the roar of the road. I still use a sprague style for EMS.

[ER hippie]

Oh Yeah... Graduate on the 27th of Jan. woo hoo... I made it! :D :D