[itzme]

I'm a nursing student, and I'm looking into Littmann stethoscopes. I have a heavy sprague stethoscope that just isn't working for me (it's wayy too heavy). I'm looking to get some advice for anyone who has had any experience with Littmann's Classic II or the Littmann Master Classic II, which is a better by a notch.

I've tried the Master Classic first, then when I tried to play with the Classic I could hear a drastic difference.

Here's where the debate begins:
Since I'm still in training, I don't know if I should get such a nice one, so I can "train" my ears to really listen to what I need to listen for.

However, if I get a Classic now, which is only $20 less, won't it be a waste to then put in another $90+ for a stethscope that's a notch up? Does that mean I should just bite the dust and just go for the better one now?

Is this debate a bit unnecessary? Please guide me in the right direction! TIA!

[AmandaWIRN]

I have a Littmann Cardiology III that I've had since I graduated from nursing school- it is excellent, and was worth the money. Just make sure you get your name engraved on it, so that no one "mistakes" it for theirs!

[itzme]

Thank you for your insight, Amanda. To be honest, I've never looked into the cardiology one, because I never thought I needed something so "elite". I'd definitely keep that in mind. For now, I definitely cannot afford one yet. May I ask how long you been using your Littmann Cardiology III?

[AmandaWIRN]

I've been using if for almost 5 years- it still works great! It was about $130 when I got it 5 years ago, and that included free engraving.

[itzme]

That's a really great deal! Did you get it from a website?

I found that Jasco is selling the master classic II for 93. And on ebay someone is willing to sell a slightly used one for $55. What would be your opinion on this? For that money, go for a new Classic II (not Master), or buy it because "it's a bargain!" even though it's slightly used?

Btw, I just read that the Cardiology III has two tunable diaphragms, which seems really interesting to me. Do you actually get to use both sides? And when you have to apply firmer pressure for high frequency diaphragm, would it hurt a patient who's sensitive, or is in critical care? I know, silly question, but that shows you how much I know about the great Littmanns

[AmandaWIRN]

I use the smaller side of the bell for pediatric patients, and the larger side on adults (I work ER, so I treat patients from age 0 - 100+). You can also use the smaller side to hear higher frequencies (murmurs, rubs, valve issues, etc....). Honestly, I haven't found the need to press to tune it- I can hear what I need to just fine without pressing harder.

I did get it online, but for the life of me, I can't remember where- some medical supply site- this was 5 years ago, not sure how much they cost now.....

[itzme]

Working in the ER must be so intense and exciting! I'm too green to imagine myself running the floors in the ER. But I would love to help around just to observe to see how everything works.

Well, I just agreed to the $55 deal, so I'll see what happens. I just realized something else though.... would the chestpiece of the Master Classic II be too thick to hear BP sounds? I can see that the Cardiology III, and many standard stethoscopes have a bell and diaphragm, creating a thin panel to easily slip the chestpiece under the BP cuff. I don't know how to attach a photo for reference, though.

Geez, all this thinking for a stethoscope!

[AmandaWIRN]

Don't over think it too much- even the most basic Littmann stethoscopes are good, and will do just fine for your purposes. You can always upgrade when you graduate and decide what specialty you want to go into.