Can you replace just the needle on a record player?

Can you replace just the needle on a record player?

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 I need to replace my turntable needle?

When does a turntable stylus need to 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.

Do turntable needles matter?

Yes and no. While any record player needle will work to convert vibrations created by groove shape into sound, the best needles are durable (either nude diamond or diamond tipped), small, and have a large surface area. Vinyl and shellac both use grooves to record audio, so most cartridges will work.

How do I know if I need a new needle for my turntable?

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.

Are turntable needles universal?

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 turntable needle is bad?

If the grooves seem wider and deeper than other records in your collection, it is likely the record has been played to death. If the grooves look good but the sound is still thin or ‘tinny’ then it is needle replacement time.

How do I know what needle I need for my record player?

If you have a super old stereo that has a ceramic or crystal cartridge, say 1960’s or earlier, then matching a needle by model # is 95%+ reliable. However, if you have a turntable from the 1970’s or newer with a magnetic cartridge, then searching for a needle by just the model # becomes only about 70% accurate.