Locating A Replacement Turntable Stylus

By Rebecca Bell


Many people enjoy collecting vinyl records and will use a record player to play their discs on. CD, digital players and streaming are now more popular and buying a replacement part for a record deck can be difficult. When you are trying to locate a replacement turntable stylus there are a few places where you will find a supplier.

The needle is a vital part of a record player as it picks up the sound from grooves in the disc to make the sound that you hear. When a needle is worn or damaged it will produce an inferior sound and it will scratch the surface of the vinyl. There are different types of needle and it is imperative to find a suitable replacement when you are buying one.

One of the best places to visit is a specialist audio store that can be found in most towns and cities. These stores will have experienced staff that will help you find the item that you need and they can advise you on your purchase. If one of these retailers is unable to locate a match, they will usually be able order one from a manufacturer.

Web based stores are also a good place to search and there are a large number of internet suppliers. Before you place an order online you should make a careful note of the serial number and manufacturer of your stylus to make it easier to search through their pages of stock. Buying products online is also cost effective as an internet retailer will usually have lower sale prices than a high street store.

If an audio dealer or internet retailer cannot help you can try an established internet auction site. Many of the web based auctions will have styluses listed with a color picture and description which are waiting for the best offer or highest bid. If you are not sure about an item you can always contact the seller and ask for more information before bidding.

If you have an old turntable you may not be able to locate a suitable needle and there are a few options available. Visiting local junk stores can be useful as many will sell old audio equipment and you may find a stylus. Another useful option is to contact a qualified electrical engineer and see if they can adapt your record player to accept a modern stylus.

Turntable manufacturers may also be able to supply you with a replacement needle if they have one in stock. Most manufacturers will have a stock of new and obsolete components which are available to buy. If they do not have a needle in stock that is compatible they may be able to advise you where to locate one.

Record player needles are fragile and they need to be cared for to avoid damage. Unless you fit the needle to your deck immediately, it should be stored in its original packaging until you are ready to use it. Retain your purchase bill which will be needed if you need to exchange or return the stylus to the supplier.




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