When Should You Replace Your Turntable’s Stylus?
Vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in recent years, with more and more people looking to get their hands on the classic sound of these old fashioned discs. But for your records to sound their best, you need to make sure that you have the right equipment to play them with. One of the most important pieces of equipment for playing vinyl is the stylus or needle.
A stylus is essential for playing vinyl as it is the part of the turntable that directly interacts with the grooves of the record. Over time, these tiny grooves can wear out and cause damage to the stylus, and this is why replacing your turntable’s stylus is essential if you want to keep your vinyl sounding great.
In this article, we’ll look at when you should replace your turntable’s stylus, as well as exploring some of the ways to tell that your stylus is due for a new one. We’ll also cover the different types of stylus available, and how to make sure you choose the right one for your turntable. Read on to find out all you need to know about replacing a stylus.
What is a Stylus?
Before we look at when you should replace your turntable’s stylus, let’s start by looking at what a stylus is.
A stylus is the needle-like end of your turntable’s arm that makes direct contact with the record. It is powered by the motor located at the main base of the turntable, and it follows the grooves of the record, vibrating to create sound.
These styluses are typically made of diamond or sapphire, as these materials can best pick up the fine vibrations from the record’s grooves. They can come in various shapes and sizes depending on the type of turntable and the type of record you are playing.
When Should You Replace Your Turntable’s Stylus?
Now that we’ve discussed what a stylus is, let’s move on to when it is time to replace it.
Under normal circumstances, a stylus should last between 500-1000 hours of playing. However, this can vary depending on the record material and the size of the grooves on your record as well as the play habits of the listener. If your records are heavily scratched, warped or are made of a more delicate material, then the stylus may need to be changed more frequently than this.
It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs that the stylus is wearing out and in need of replacement. Here are some of the most common signs that it’s time for a new stylus:
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Distortion: Distortion in the sound is perhaps the most noticeable sign that it’s time for a new stylus, as this means that the diamond or sapphire tip is no longer able to pick up the full range of vibrations from the record’s grooves.
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Skipping: If your stylus begins to skip, this is usually a sign that it’s worn out and needs to be replaced.
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Rust: Rust can form around the top of the stylus and this suggests that the stylus is due for a replacement.
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Volume Level: A decrease in the volume level could be a sign that the stylus is wearing out and needs an upgrade.
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Resistance: If the stylus feels stiff or resistant when you’re putting it back in the arm after playing a record, then this could be an indication that it’s time for a replacement.
Choosing the Right Stylus
It is important to make sure that you get the right stylus for your turntable and for the type of record you’re playing. Here are some tips for choosing the right one:
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Choose the Correct Size: The size of the stylus should match the size of the grooves on your records. For example, a 12 inch record should be played with a 12 inch stylus.
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Consider the Material: Most styluses are typically made of diamond or sapphire. Diamond is normally used for playing 33 and 45 RPM records, while sapphire is more suited to 78rpm records.
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Make Sure it’s Compatible: It’s important to make sure that your new stylus is compatible with your turntable’s model. Most turntables will have specific models and brands of stylus that they are compatible with, so make sure to check this before making your purchase.
Replacing your turntable’s stylus is essential if you want to keep your records sounding their best. The stylus should be replaced every 500-1000 hours of playing, however, this can vary depending on the condition of the records and the habit of the listener. Make sure to keep an eye out for signs such as distortion and skipping that can indicate that it’s time for a new stylus. Finally, make sure you choose a stylus that is compatible with your turntable and the type of record you’re playing. Following these tips should ensure that your records will be sounding crisp and clear for years to come.
