Littmann Classic II vs. Master Classic II

Buttercup_fields · Dec 8, 2007

I have the Master Classic II and love it.

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Dec 8, 2007

Check with your school before buying this scope. Some schools do not like you to have this one. There is quite a bit of technique involved in using it properly (someone kindly got me one of these as a gift and I use it on occasion, but I actually don't prefer to use it over my conventional scope).

Also, with the conventional scopes you have a diaphragm and a bell that can be used on adult patients. However, when you go into pediatrics for a rotation you will need a pediatric diaphragm. If you have a two headed scope (bell and diaphragm) then you simply use the bell (with a smaller diaphragm added to it) as a pediatric diaphragm. This may not make much sense now, but when you get your scope and read the instructions and start playing with it you will understand better.

Basically, you will get more utility out of a conventional scope than a 'pressure scope'. If you go to a nursing supply shop, they will have a variety of scopes that you can look at and play with and they will let you see the different adaptors that are available with each scope. I wouldn't necessarily purchase a scope from these people because they tend to be more expensive than you can find on-line, but you will get a hands on feel for what you are going to order.

Again, I am sure there will be people that will tell you all this is over the top and get a $20 dollar scope to start with, but you are obviously curious about this topic and your question deserves an informative response.

jackson145 · Dec 8, 2007

OK, another question. I looked up the classic II on the Littmann site. It also shows only using one side (like Master classic) with either light or firm pressure. Why do they make a different model if they intend for it to be used the same way?

itsmyturn · Dec 8, 2007

You know, Litmann has a comparison page where you can look at all of their scopes together and see the differences between each one they have.

I did that and determined that the cardiology would be the best for me...glad I chose it because like people said, it sure makes a difference when choosing one with better acoustics than just a cheaper model. I am starting nursing school in January and people are already borrowing mine in my CNA class, sure it will be the same in the nursing class! lol!

P.S. Check out Allheart.com for whichever you choose, I found that their prices are better than any around.

User123456 · Dec 8, 2007

i have a littman classic 2 love it. my best advice , dont spend a ton when you can start at midrange and upgrade if you need to

Cosper123 · Dec 9, 2007

I am sure there will be people that will tell you all this is over the top and get a $20 dollar scope to start with, but you are obviously curious about this topic and your question deserves an informative response.

That would be me! Especially now that they have had the informative response :)

Unless you are a cardiologist...you don't need more than the cheapest of scopes. Heck, I'd use my daughter's Fisher Price toy scope if I didn't think it would freak out my clinical instructors...it works just fine.

If you're getting a fancy scope as a gift or something that is one thing, but if you're shopping for yourself save that extra money for a decent PDA and the programs to go in it.

So, again, it's not something that you need. I feel this is important for everyone to know. If you wind up with one of these overpriced models, it's a matter of want. And like trendynurse pointed out, you can always upgrade later.

Buttercup_fields · Dec 9, 2007

You do not have to spend a lot I got my littmann Master Classic II off eBay. It was new never used and I only payed $30 with shipping. I also get most of my books and study aids off of eBay and save a ton.

ErinRena · Dec 9, 2007

Check with your school before buying this scope. Some schools do not like you to have this one. There is quite a bit of technique involved in using it properly (someone kindly got me one of these as a gift and I use it on occasion, but I actually don't prefer to use it over my conventional scope).

Hm, thank you! I had never thought of that. I have e-mailed my nursing director and asked her about it... So pressure scopes are more difficult to use? Pressure scopes are advertised as being a step up from the manual scopes... Even more confusion :lol2:

jackson145 · Dec 9, 2007

I don't know about your Ivy Tech but at Bloomington they don't care what you use. My husband just finished and he used the Master Classic II the whole time, even if Peds. In the ED where I work the nurses use $10 scopes that fall apart if you drop them and I'm used to using disposable scopes on isolation patients. They come in pieces and you put them together before using them and pitch them when patient is gone. You know they have to be big time cheap! I figure if I can use that, I can use anything.

future L&Dnurse · Dec 9, 2007

I have a Master Classic II and LOVE it. I also bought a Littmann infant stethoscope and am a big fan of that one also (although if you don't plan to go into neonatal/pediatrics, I don't think it's necessary and I used my MCII on newborns without problems). I haven't had problems with the pressure bell at all. My school doesn't care what kind you buy, so long as you have one that works.

Nurse2Bhomeschoolmom · Dec 10, 2007

I am just getting ready to start school in January too, BUT I got some great advice from a long time nurse who got a Litt. Classic in school and went back for the Litt. Cardio later. She told me to get the good one now while I am in school so as to not waste the money and just get the one you ultimately will want. My husband got it for me as a "Congratulations on getting accepted" present. I asked for this one specifically on the recommendation of my friend. Another thing to consider is that you are training your ear on this scope, you want it to be one that you can hear out of, not one that has a lot of background noise. He did have mine engraved for me so as to not loose the $125 stethoscope. She (my nurse friend) said never let it off your neck, ESPECIALLY not in the presence of a doctor:lol2:. So I imagine this is good advice. I am one of those "do it once, do it right and don't revisit it again" kind of people though. Another thing to consider is it is Christmas time, ask for it as a gift........ :idea: