Can I replace my record player needle?
Replacing the needle on your turntable is not an impossible task. With proper research and practice, it is something you can easily do on your own, and save a lot of money. But you do need to make sure you know what you are doing, before you attempt this.
Do Stanton still make cartridges?
Stanton still exists as a corporate entity — now a subsidiary of Gibson Guitar Corporation — but they ceased all cartridge production some time ago. Any Stanton cartridges you happen to come across today, even the DJ ones that may look very recent, are old stock at this point.
How often should a turntable needle be replaced?
Most manufacturers recommend changing your stylus at around 1000 hours of record playing time. So if you’re using your turntable for an hour or so per day on average, ideally you should be changing the stylus every couple of years. This varies depending on the manufacturer and what type of materials they’re using.
What is a Pickering cartridge?
Pickering (July 9, 1916 – November 18, 2015) was an American engineer, musical instrument designer, inventor and co-founder of the Audio Engineering Society. His most famous inventions are the modern Pickering magnetic cartridge, a high-fidelity, jewel-tipped phonographic cartridge, and the Pickering pickup.
Are all turntable needles the same?
Record player needles are not universal. Every record player uses a specific type of needle. There is sometimes possible to replace a record player needle with a different type, but only if the new needle is compatible with the original needle. The record player needle is also called record player stylus.
How do I know if my record player needs a new needle?
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.
How do you know when turntable needle is bad?
Are Pickering cartridges good?
Extremely high quality sound. I agree about the high end; full and clear without overdoing it. This is the one cartridge, along with the Shure VST III, that I will never get rid of. Classic Pickering/Stanton sound – good bass, strong midrange – bright, clear top end.
How do I know what needle to replace my record player?
If you’re unsure, take a look at the end of your turntable’s tonearm (the part you lift and set on the vinyl to play the music). If you see screws mounting the cartridge to the end of the arm, then the cartridge can be replaced. If you don’t see any screws, then you’ll only be able to replace the stylus.
How do you know if a needle is broken?
The easiest way to know if your needle is broken is to use it to play a record. The sound quality will become a little bit “off” and the musical notes will often become less clear. This is the best way to know that your needle/stylus needs replaced.
Where can I buy a replacement needle for my Stanton cartridge?
At DaCapo Audio we offer a great selection of replacement styli for Stanton cartridges. Remember, that a worn stylus will not only make your vinyl records sound bad, it may also damage them. So, browse the list below to find a price conscious replacement needle for your favourite pickup cart – buy it to please your ears and protect your records!
What are Stanton cartridges made out of?
Stanton uses aircraft grade aluminum tubing unique to each cartridge model based on their application. Each Stanton damper is made up of special custom compounds of synthetic grade rubber based on specific cartridge model. Alters the magnetic flux based on the movements of the stylus.
How does the Stanton SC-4 cleaner kit work?
The Stanton SC-4 cleaner kit contains a specially formulated fluid to safely dissolve the caked-on contamination around the needle. Then the unique controlled penetration bristles of the brush will sweep and remove the debris that remains without any damage to the needle.
How can I improve the sound quality of my Stanton cartridge?
Stanton uses jewelry grade diamonds in their needles, which are less porous than commercial grade (commonly used in other manufacturers’ cartridges), and produce better sound quality. Make sure the turntable is placed on a solid base or stand to prevent side-to-side movement during scratching.