Stylus Check
Thu, Mar 31 2011, 12:40PM
Where does one get one's stylus checked these days? Or does one keep a count of sides up to a thousand or so and hope for the best?
Thu, Mar 31 2011, 3:37PM
#2
RE: Stylus Check
Many thanks for this reply though I have always read that once signs of wear can be heard damage to records has already begun.
Thu, Mar 31 2011, 6:24PM
#3
RE: Stylus Check
Probably true but this has always been the case. It's why I try to minimise record wear by replacing early. By doing this, I have found record wear to be at worst, minor, and in most cases non-existent, even though the cost of replacement styli will have gone up a bit.
For me it's worth the extra expense, as a lot of my LPs are no longer available in either LP or CD format.
Also worth keeping the LPs clean. I use old soft handkerchiefs soaked in a minimal solution of detergent for the worst cases (we have a very good new and used LP store close by). Seems to work.
Best of luck!
Dick
Sat, Apr 13 2013, 3:45PM
#4
RE: Stylus Check RE: Stylus Check
Many years ago I worked in a record shop in Oxford. We had a Shure microscope. We could look at a stylus and see the ware. It did take some experience to judge how warn or not the stylus was. I have no idea where such a service can be had now! Maybe one of the better hi-fi retailers?
Sat, Apr 13 2013, 6:17PM
#5
RE: Stylus Check
I use one of my old test records, the Shure test record is probably the best. It has (had perhaps, probably long unavailable) a couple of torture test sections, one with musical bells, the other a bass drum recorded at five different levels. If you're getting break-up before level 5 replacement is overdue. Test records regardless, we've all got lps that challenge our cartridges and serve as benchmarks. In theory, by the time you get to the point of audible problems you've come too far. But in practice I've never found there's permanent damage as long as you act quickly.
Of course, stylus cleanliness is crucial and this means removing it frequently and giving it more than the quick once-over. I've seen my stylus magnified when I thought it was clean, and after a thorough wet cleaning. A world of difference - and audible.
Sat, Apr 13 2013, 10:51PM
#6
RE: Stylus Check
Another factor affecting wear is the shape of the stylus itself. But in general I think the 1000 play estimate is probably the best rule of thumb you can follow these days.
But I always thought that the usual recommendation is to avoid wet cleaning of the stylus in case it weakens the glue? (although on occasion I've used isopropanol without problems).
Ted
Sun, Apr 14 2013, 4:32PM
#7
RE: Stylus Check
Mr. Clean makes 'Magic Eraser' which dry cleans the stylus and does a fantastic job. Also, I inspect the wear and shape of my stylus with a photo negative magnification loop. The best are made by Leica, Zeiss or Schneider of Bad Kreuznach. However, a less expensive loop will work. You could take the cartridge to the camera store and try different loops there to see if that even works for you. Loops come in different magnification strengths.
Sun, Apr 14 2013, 6:51PM
#8
RE: Stylus Check
In the days when I collected LPs, I used to send my V15III styli back to Shure for periodic checking. They offered this service free of charge - how times change.
Sun, Apr 14 2013, 6:55PM
#9
RE: Stylus Check
In the days when I collected LPs, I used to send my V15III styli back to Shure for periodic checking. They offered this service free of charge - how times change.
Sun, Apr 14 2013, 7:14PM
#10
RE: Stylus Check
Another factor affecting wear is the shape of the stylus itself. But in general I think the 1000 play estimate is probably the best rule of thumb you can follow these days.
But I always thought that the usual recommendation is to avoid wet cleaning of the stylus in case it weakens the glue? (although on occasion I've used isopropanol without problems).
Ted
I've used isopropanol for years, never had a problem although some claim it leaves a residue. When it was available over the counter I used carbon tetrachloride, which did the job beautifully. Now that somebody has decided you'll die if you drink two gallons of it per day, you can't get it.
Mon, Apr 15 2013, 7:27PM
#11
RE: Stylus Check
1000 plays or 1000 hours seems to be the figure. I just checked an article on playing LPs in an early edition of ICRC magazine when it was a Gramophone publication & electronics engineer John Borwick who was Gramophone's Audio Editor in the heyday of stereo LPs suggests 1000 hours.
As to Ted's comment on cleaning with iso propyl alcohol I've read that but was also concerned about the glue!
I've also got the Shure LP mentioned by Tagalie but thought that was more for setting up but I guess it would show a worn stylus.
Mon, Apr 15 2013, 8:44PM
#12
RE: Stylus Check
I have one of those vibrating brush things to clean the stylus (no don't laugh!). It seems to work very well, but I am sometimes concerned that it well affect the delicate cartridge housing. As we all know - diamonds are certainly NOT forever!!
DSM
Tue, Apr 16 2013, 2:26AM
#13
RE: Stylus Check
I have one of those vibrating brush things to clean the stylus (no don't laugh!). It seems to work very well, but I am sometimes concerned that it well affect the delicate cartridge housing. As we all know - diamonds are certainly NOT forever!!
DSM
Over the years there has been a million urban legends about stylus cleaning and that's one, DSM. You were only supposed to clean it using a short brush in a forward direction. Trouble is, as I've seen from microscope inspection, that still leaves gunk on the other side of the diamond. After 50-odd years of stylus cleaning using brushes and fluids in all directions I've yet to damage one. The golden rule seems to be that whatever you do, do it delicately.
As I've found from bitter experience, one evening with your mates over at your place knocking it back and listening to lps will do more damage to your equipment and records than 1000 hours of normal usage. For that reason alone, thank the Lord for cds.
Tue, Apr 16 2013, 5:01PM
#14
RE: Stylus Check
I didn't mention this before but I suppose I have a moral obligation to do so; if using 'Magic Eraser' to clean a stylus, be very careful! Place the 'Magic Eraser' under the stylus and gently drop it onto the 'Magic Eraser' about three or four times. Only do this vertically, do not go from side to side. This is easily done while leaving the cartridge/headshell on the tonearm. Also and this is very important, only use the Original 'Magic Eraser', don't use extra strength or any of the others. Doing this will give you immediately noticeable results and it will not effect the stylus. Trust me, this method is like magic on your stylus and it cost near to nothing.
Thu, Apr 18 2013, 3:40PM
#15
RE: Stylus Check
I've had the same problem for years. You can see some wear by thoroughly cleaning the stylus tip and using a good magnifying glass, but the acid test is really just careful listening.
One thing you might want to consider is to buy replacements beforehand, as it not only enables prompt replacement but offers an opportunity for comparisons so you can be sure the stylus is worn. I always replaced early, once I aurally detected wear.
Having some idea of the age the stylus and the number of weekly listening hours also helps.
Don't underestimate the effects of tracking force on the stylus. A tracking force of 2 grams causes more than twice the wear of a tracking force of 1 gram. Currently available MM and MC cartridges track somewhere between 1.5 and 2 grams, so expect quicker wear than a cartridge tracking at 1 gram.
Diamond stylus life is estimated at between 500 to 800 hours. I wouldn't go above 800 hours and to my mind that would be pushing it.
This link might help:
http://www.gramophone.net/Issue/Page/March%201971/139/754687/Diamond+sty...