No discussion of record care would be complete without examining another equally important element in the chain of musical reproduction-the phono pick-up cartridge and stylus. The very small dimensions of the stylus of a stereo cartridge combined with its extreme freedom of movement and its low tracking pressure, require that records be maintained in their original state. Since the pressures are too small for the stylus to push the dirt and dust aside. It in fact "plays" this foreign matter as if it were part of the groove. The result is an increase in background and surface noise.
Not Only a Clean Record but a Clean Stylus as Well
Even under ideal conditions. as with a new and clean record, the stylus tip will collect some airborne foreign matter. if this deposit is allowed to build up and harden on the stylus, the high polish of the stylus will eventually be replaced by a rough surface which will in turn contribute to an increase in surface noise and distortion. Therefore we have to keep not only the record clean but the stylus as well. In practice the condition of the stylus is an excellent inductor of the condition of the record.
How to Clean the Stylus
Most cartridge manufacturers have provided little or no information regarding the proper methods of stylus cleaning. However, with the advent of ultra-lightweight tracking cartridge and increasing use of the elliptical stylus, this most important consideration is that the stylus must never be allowed to build up and accumulation of "goo" and pollution so that a coating is formed around the surface, riding in the grooves of the record. Therefore, the stylus should be inspected and cleaned after each playing session and immediately after playing any record which may have received applications of anti-static fluids.
If this procedure is used, no deposit will build up or harden and the stylus will remain perfectly clean to the end of its useful life. There are various types of stylus cleaning brushes and fluids available, some of which are more effective and useful than others. Testing the effectiveness of a cleaning tool is a simple matter of viewing the stylus under a microscope of X10 magnification. The choice of cleaning fluid must be carefully checked, as some pickup cartridges can be damaged by the chemical reaction. in general frequent dry cleaning by the use of a brush with a short bristles is the safest course to follow.
When cleaning the stylus, the pickup cartridge is self securely and the brush or pad is stroked across the stylus in a forward motion. in the case of an elliptical stylus, the cleaner should be stroked across the stylus in a 45 degree angel, from right to left, and left to right.
If this procedure is used, no deposit will build up or harden and the stylus will remain perfectly clean to the end of its useful life. There are various types of stylus cleaning brushes and fluids available, some of which are more effective and useful than others. Testing the effectiveness of a cleaning tool is a simple matter of viewing the stylus under a microscope of X10 magnification. The choice of cleaning fluid must be carefully checked, as some pickup cartridges can be damaged by the chemical reaction. in general frequent dry cleaning by the use of a brush with a short bristles is the safest course to follow.
When cleaning the stylus, the pickup cartridge is self securely and the brush or pad is stroked across the stylus in a forward motion. in the case of an elliptical stylus, the cleaner should be stroked across the stylus in a 45 degree angel, from right to left, and left to right.
Take Care of Your Stylus
Your phonograph record or "vinyl" stylus or "needle" does not have a sharp point but rather it is a cone with a smooth ball shaped tip.
When playing records the needle vibrates in the grooves at an astonishing rate to produce dynamic forces, and only a first-class needle can give first-class reproductions. The vibration which start sound reproductions also start wear of the needle, as it travels through miles and miles of grooves.
The damage to a needle, is only visible under a microscope, and it is frequently difficult to note the deterioration audible. Check your needle often, and keep track of its playing time. Avoid damage to your valuable vinyl records.
A diamond needle will play approximately 1000 hours.
When playing records the needle vibrates in the grooves at an astonishing rate to produce dynamic forces, and only a first-class needle can give first-class reproductions. The vibration which start sound reproductions also start wear of the needle, as it travels through miles and miles of grooves.
The damage to a needle, is only visible under a microscope, and it is frequently difficult to note the deterioration audible. Check your needle often, and keep track of its playing time. Avoid damage to your valuable vinyl records.
A diamond needle will play approximately 1000 hours.
A Final note of caution
A Final note of caution-despite modern improvements in phonograph needles, no needle is permanent. A worn needle irreparably damages the delicate groves of your records. At the first sign of deteriorating sound or skipping check your needle.
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A permanent needle is "permanent" only in the sense that a permanent wave is.
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- dj gonky aka liam weston dj gonky aka liam weston Nov 7, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
- keep vinyl alive.........
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