Turntable Stylus

Turntable stylus (record needle) is one of the most important parts of any turntable. The stylus needs to be cleaned to preserve your records and to get the best possible sound quality as well as replaced if your stylus is slipping and sliding over your records. Here are a few tips on how to clean and replace the stylus.

Cleaning Tips:

• Use a stylus brush or a stiff, short-pile brush for dry cleaning.
• Brush stylus toward you (back-to-front of stylus).
• Clean stabilizer brush, if any, in same motion.
• Repeat each time you play a record.
• Use a stylus brush or a cotton swab dipped in a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution for wet cleaning.
• Brush stylus toward you (from back to front of stylus).

Replacement tips:

• Buy a new stylus for your turntable at an electronics repair store.
• Remove the old stylus. If the new stylus doesn't come with directions, try these: With one hand, hold the stylus cartridge to steady it. With the other hand, using a pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers, grasp the end of the needle and pull.
• Install the new stylus. Holding the stylus from the top, press it gently into the space at the tip of the cartridge where the old stylus had been. Don't force it.
• Play a record to test the new stylus, and adjust it if necessary