Finding Replacement Record Player Needles

By Carol Williams


Many music lovers own collections of records and they will use a record player to play them on. Compact discs and mp3 audio are now the preferred formats many turntable parts for are becoming harder to source. When looking to buy record player needles, there are a few places to search where you can find an outlet to supply you with a suitable replacement.

A needle is an important part of your deck as it translates the music from the small grooves in the disc into the sound that is heard. Old and damaged needles will never produce quality audio and they will also cause serious damage to your collection of records. There are many types of needle and cartridge and it useful to find an established supplier before you make a purchase.

A good place to visit when you need a stylus is a specialist audio retailer that can be found on many high streets. These shops will have expert staff that will be able to help you find what you are looking for and advise you on your purchases. If the retailer is unable to find you a suitable match, they can usually order one from their suppliers.

The net is also useful place to buy your new turntable needles and there are many reputable online suppliers available. You will need to browse their pages of stock and it is helpful to have the serial number or maker of your existing stylus. You may also pay less when buying online as the retailers who trade on the web will have lower overheads than a high street retailer.

If web based retailer or dealer in your area is unable to help, internet auction sites are available which may be useful. Most sites will have a comprehensive list of needles with descriptions, photos and manufacturer names which are waiting for the highest bid or best offers. If you have any questions about a particular item, you can contact the seller and ask for more details before placing your bid.

If your record deck is a particularly old model, you may have no luck in finding a suitable needle and there are options. You can visit some nearly new stores to see if they have any old record players which you can strip for parts. It may also be worth speaking to a repair engineer to see if they can modify your turntable to accept a modern needle or cartridge.

If you have the details of the company that made your stylus, it is worth calling them, and many will sell you a suitable replacement. These factories may still stocks needles that they have produced in the past and will sell them to the public. If they do not have any stock that is suitable, they will often recommend a dealer, where you may find what you need.

Styluses are extremely fragile and it is essential to protect them in the correct way. When you purchase a new stylus it should be kept in the box until you fit it to your record deck. Always keep your purchase receipts which will enable you to exchange or return a stylus if necessary.




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