Gramophones, phonographs and turntables all have parts which, as they wear out, must be periodically replaced. Generally, depending on the type of system, there are only two or three parts on which to intervene. These parts are:
- The stylus, which is nothing more than a needle of sapphire or diamond or iron or bamboo (in gramophones), which runs between the grooves of the record.
- The cartridge, which converts mechanical vibrations into electrical signals.
- The traction, which usually consists of a rubber pulley.
The stylus is the part that is replaced most often because a damaged stylus can ruin the grooves on the record. A worn or chipped needle also sounds bad because it no longer fits well in the groove.
Older 78 rpm records required a larger stylus than the one used for 45s or 33s. Some cartridges have two styluses, one for each part, allowing the listener to change stylus by turning the cartridge. Others, however, have an interchangeable stylus; the latter are relatively rare but generally easier to replace, because they simply need to be removed from the cartridge.
Steps
Always keep the stylus clean using a special brush with boar bristles. When using the brush, be careful not to force your hand and do not use solvents at all, otherwise you could completely ruin the stylus.
Occasionally, use a magnifying glass or microscope to take a look at the health of the stylus. Sometimes it is enough to simply raise the turntable arm, but on some models there is a safety catch near the arm hinge. Never force it!
The stylus typically has a blunt conical shape.
Method 1 of 3: Part One: Replace the Stylus
Step 1. Remove the stylus by sliding it out in the opposite direction to that of the turntable arm
Step 2. Make a note of the brand and model of the cartridge and buy a stylus that is compatible
If you intend to buy it in a store, you may want to take the stylus with you for help. If a compatible stylus is not found, you will need to replace both the cartridge and the stylus. Replace the cartridge as explained in the next section of this guide before inserting the new stylus.
Step 3. Slide the new stylus into the cartridge opening
The stylus must face down.
Method 2 of 3: Part Two: Replace the Cartridge
Another interchangeable component of the turntable is the cartridge. Typically the cartridge should never need to be replaced unless it gets damaged or, as in the case above, you can't find a stylus compatible with the cartridge.
Step 1. Choose a cartridge that is compatible with your turntable
The cartridge is usually mounted on the head of the arm or on the arm itself; usually it has to be wedged or slid in like the stylus, or held together with small screws on the removable arm head. Since the last solution is the least immediate, it is the one that will be examined in this guide.
Step 2. Remove the head from the arm
Many heads are secured by a compression fitting or bolt which, once loosened, allows the head to be removed from the arm. If this is not tucked into a head-mounted housing you will see a series of small colored wires crimped to their respective connectors which need to be removed from the cartridge connectors very carefully. The new cartridge will surely have a connection diagram so that you can reconnect everything without problems. Like many electrical devices, it must be handled with care and be aligned properly in the housing and then secured securely. Once the head is removed, use a watchmaker's screwdriver to unscrew the screws.
Step 3. Adjust the balance each time you replace the cartridge
Each cartridge has a different weight which must be counterbalanced by adjusting the arm and the anti-skating (usually there is a knob to adjust the weight of the arm, while the anti-skating is located near the arm and connected to it). When the tonearm is well balanced, the needle is able to pass better into the groove. Each cartridge has its own recommended balance usually expressed in grams, which can be easily set by adjusting the downward pressure of the stylus. Antiskating, on the other hand, helps to keep the horizontal pressure of the stylus equal so that the stylus does not slip on the record when it jumps.
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Clean the Belt
One of the parts that are overlooked most by the average user is the drive belt (note that direct drive turntables do not use belts). There are various signs that it is time to clean the belt: the inability of the turntable to maintain or adjust the speed of the platter, malfunctions of the RPM indicator present on some turntables or even the complete stop of the platter.
Step 1. To clean the belt you have to disassemble the platter or remove the stand underneath it, or you will have to remove screws and lift the entire mechanism from the housing, depending on the model
Once this is done, you will be able to see the strap.
Step 2. If you need to replace the belt (with a compatible one, of course) clean the inner surface of the new belt thoroughly using a clean and dry cloth to remove any traces of dirt (absolutely do not use solvents or alcohol on the belt, it could dry out)
Then remove the old belt and clean the surfaces in contact with it using a wet cloth with alcohol. When all components are dry, fit the new belt. Never use lubricant.
Step 3. Put everything back together and enjoy
Advice
- Before listening to a record, always clean it, but only use products recommended and made for this purpose.
- If your turntable has a screw terminal located near the power cable and jacks and cables marked "GND", "ground" or "mass", or have a symbol next to them that looks like an arrow pointing towards the low, you should connect it to ground to eliminate annoying hum and ground signals (a curiosity: these signals are usually 50-60Hz).
- Prevent stylus damage to ensure a long life for your records. Never drop your arm, rather place it gently on the record. Never let anything come into contact with the stylus other than discs and cleaning brushes.
- Adjusting the anti-skating and balance is vital for sound quality.
- The turntable should be placed on a flat surface and insulated as much as possible from sources of vibration. All vibrations arriving at the turntable, such as vibrations from speakers or external traffic, are converted as audio signals, disturbing the playback of the disc. If the vibration is strong enough it could also cause the stylus to jump. You can eliminate or reduce vibrations by placing the turntable on a solid surface or on anti-vibration tips placed between the turntable and the surface. Alternatively, you can also use a folded tea towel under the turntable to significantly reduce vibration.
