Stethoscope: Littmann Cardiology III vs. Master Cardiology

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I am a CCU nurse looking to buy a new stethoscope. I currently use the Littmann S.E II that I have purchased in nursing school. I am looking to purchase either the Littmann cardiology III or the master cardiology. I borrowed a co-worker's cardiology III stethoscope and was amazed at how much more I heard from her stethoscope. I haven't used a master cardiology yet and there's no one on my unit that has one for me to test-drive.

I was wondering if anyone out there who have tried both stethoscopes have a preference? Thanks for your feedback!

Which Cardiology stethoscope is Best?

[video=youtube_share;47ksHWfEtDc]

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Specializes in Med-Surg Nursing.

I started out my critical care career with a Cardio III. I have since upgraged to a Master Cardio! Go for the gusto and get the Master Cardio! You won't regret it!

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Specializes in Cardiovascular Recovery.

I forgot my stethoscope a few days ago and a co-worker let me borrow his Master Cardiology. I swear I could just about hear the patient's pedal pulses while auscultating for breath sounds! Seriously though, I have a hard time hearing through most stethoscopes but that one was so good I came home from my shift and ordered it. Afterward, I did get to listen through a different co-workers STC and would recommend either one. I haven't used a Cardiology III but for the price difference go for the Master Cardiology.

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
myblkcat said:
I forgot my stethoscope a few days ago and a co-worker let me borrow his Master Cardiology. I swear I could just about hear the patient's pedal pulses while auscultating for breath sounds! Seriously though, I have a hard time hearing through most stethoscopes but that one was so good I came home from my shift and ordered it. Afterward, I did get to listen through a different co-workers STC and would recommend either one. I haven't used a Cardiology III but for the price difference go for the Master Cardiology.

I agree 100% for the little price difference go with the MC stethoscope. My wife bought me an MC for my b-day last April and I'm more than pleased with the quality. However, if I'm not using it, or its not around my neck, then I put it away in my locker, locked!

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I just found this for $149 w/free ship--and includes a special students bonus kit for nursing students! I couldnt believe the price and had to call and verify it was the right steth

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Try buying your steth at allheart.com..I have ordered from there before - great prices.

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Specializes in ER/ medical telemetry.

go with the master cardiology one.

the only thing i had to get used to was the single head; light touch would represent bell of steth. and reg- touch represents traditional diaphram, directions are included. has a blank plate for engraving.

all the docs want to use it, but i sternly tell them to please return it, with laser burning eye contact,and so far they do not forget to return it.

so far i have not been disappointed.

nurse-perverse said:
hello,

i am a ccu nurse looking to buy a new stethoscope. i currently use the littmann s.e ii that i have purchased in nursing school. i am looking to purchase either the littmann cardiology iii or the master cardiology. i borrowed a co-worker's cardiology iii stethoscope and was amazed at how much more i heard from her stethoscope. i haven't used a master cardiology yet and there's no one on my unit that has one for me to test-drive. so i was wondering if anyone out there who have tried both stethoscopes have a preference? thanks for your feedback! :monkeydance:

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Specializes in LPN school.

Magna Fortis Lt.8

This is a very informative post on the SDN by an attending

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

Personally I love my Littman model 4100 it is electronic and also records for you if you would like. I can't believe how well I can hear. It has taken getting used to...because things are sooo much sharper and clearer that you aren't sure what you are listening to. I also have both the Master Cardiology and the Cardiology III and the 4100 is far superior, IMHO.

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Specializes in LPN school.
deeDawntee said:
Personally I love my Littman model 4100 it is electronic and also records for you if you would like.

*jaw drops*

How many moons did you have to save up to purchase it?

Haha I always thought the 4100's looked like a python that has swallowed a cow or something

the 3100's are pretty good, aesthetically speaking. never tried one though.

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.
Burnt2 said:
*jaw drops*

How many moons did you have to save up to purchase it?

Haha I always thought the 4100's looked like a python that has swallowed a cow or something

the 3100's are pretty good, aesthetically speaking. never tried one though.

LOL!!! not that many moons Burnt!!!! It runs for about $400 and it is deductible, man!!! Hey most people don't even realize it is a different stethoscope around my neck...since I rarely take it off...better than jewelry, I say!!! I LOVE IT!! You can hear murmurs in the hearts of your patient's tapeworms!!!! hehehe

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Specializes in LPN school.
deeDawntee said:
You can hear murmurs in the hearts of your patient's tapeworms!!!! hehehe

hahaha I actually laughed when I saw that

Quit saying such nice things about it. I've been on ebay for a week now cruising around for a scope to replace my venerable Classic SE II, and I don't need to hear any of your seductive whispers.

Last thing I need is a concealed weapon permit to protect myself against the lustful cardiologists

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