Stethoscopes HQ

Health care pros: what is a good alternative to a Littmann stethoscope?

I had a Littmann Master Classic II the whole time is was in school and then i took some time off and bieng poor, I sold it to a friend. Now I'm going into a job where I am going to need something more than a cheap stethoscope but I am still tight on funds. So I have 2 questions for u guys: 1.Any ideas on brands out there that are comparable? 2.What kind do you guys use? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Honestly, nothing compares to a Littmann scope...they are the very best (IMHO). They do make other models that are less money than the Master Classic II...you could look into one of those. I think that the Littmann Classic II or the Lightweight might be less money. It all depends on what you are using it for. You could check eBay for one, or try to buy one secondhand, but beware of counterfeits! EDIT: Not sure what you are looking to spend, but here are a few links: This one is on sale for $39.98...it's considered "general-purpose" http://www.allheart.com/littmannlwt.html This site also has the Master Classic II for $84.98
2. IMO, a stethoscope is a stethoscope and the price or name of a stethoscope will never give a person the skill of listening. i use the stethoscope that was used on my grandmother for homehealth before she died of lou gehrig's disease , it is just prestige or something, but has caught murmurs, bruits, thrills, crackles, all that stuff no problem.