Signs You Need To Replace Your Turntable Stylus
Over time, your stylus may deteriorate, bend, and even crack. Nobody wants to hear static instead of your music upon powering up your turntable.
Image: www.tnt-audio.com
Note of warning: a damaged or worn out stylus can seriously damage your record collection. If you’re already hearing the symptoms below, please don’t use your record player until you have replaced your stylus!
Close up view of a turntable stylus:
Image: www.audiokarma.org
Reasons Why You Should Replace Your Turntable’s Stylus:
- If you have purchased a used turntable and aren’t sure how many hours of usage the unit has, you should replace the stylus immediately.
- If you can hear audible hiss or static where there was none previously on your favorite album, it’s time for a new replacement stylus. An overabundance of sibilance (excessive “ssss” sounds by vocalists) is a red flag that something may be wrong with the needle.
- Check for any sign of visible damage, such as jagged edges or bending of the needle head.
- If you are aware that the shape of your needle head was rounded, but is now pointed, replace the stylus immediately and do not use it in light of the physical damage that can occur.
- If the needle starts to “skip forward or bounce” it will need to be replaced.
- Make sure the grip of the Cantilever is solid and not loose.
- If there is black residue stuck to the point of the needle, it may be a sign that the stylus was overused and not properly maintained. It may need a proper cleaning, or in worst case scenarios, it will need to be replaced.
Still unsure? Bring your turntable in Bay Bloor Radio’s turntable clinic. We’ll have our turntable “doctor” David Yiu check it out for you. Best part is that it’s free! Visit this page to learn more!
