[plaf26]

Dumb question  :  Am new to this circle, so stop me if this has been brought up before.  Have been reading about the Soundsmith Strain Guage cartridge.  Why couldn't you take any old crystal or ceramic piezo cartridge (Sonotone, Ronette, Astatic, etc.) apply a small phantom voltage to it, and turn it into a strain guage?  You'd have the advantage of a turnover microgroove/78 needle into the bargain! 

[James Romeyn]

I don't know about your question.  What makes you suspect that would work? 

IIRC NOS Panasonic Sg carts are available.

I have schematic for old, easy DIY circuit for Sg demodulator.  Problem is the IC is discontinued, but likely easy to find replacement.  I'll forward the circuit upon request in exchange for brief audition period (one or two days is fine) to see how it compares to my modded Panasonic SH-405 or whatever is the model.

Sg beats MM and MC of most any cost/complexity.  I owned Curl's legendary Vendetta MC phono preamp and am familiar with much of the world's best vinyl playback. 

One possible exception might be that new-ish phono preamp that converts the input to HR digital for RIAA equalization.  Now that sounds pretty darn interesting.  Also, that $1/2M Lamm/German TT system sharing Wilson speakers at 2011 CES was quite other-worldly sounding I must admit.