A stylus is a crucial component of any turntable, used to play vinyl records. It is a small, pointed needle that reads the grooves of the record and converts them into an electrical signal, which is then sent to the amplifier and speakers. However, over time, a stylus can become bent due to mishandling or accidents, which can cause poor sound quality or damage to the records. In this article, we will discuss how to tell if your stylus is bent and how to fix it.
How to tell if your stylus is bent?
Before we get into the process of fixing a bent stylus, it’s important to first identify whether or not it is actually bent. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Uneven wear on records: If you notice that some records are playing with uneven wear or sounding distorted, it could be a sign that the stylus is bent. This is because a bent stylus will not be able to track the grooves of the record properly, resulting in uneven wear.
- Visible bending: If you can see a visible bend in the stylus, it’s obviously bent. Be sure to inspect it carefully under a light source to see if there are any bends or deformities.
- Distorted sound: If you notice that the sound quality of your records has degraded, it could be a sign that the stylus is bent. A bent stylus will not be able to read the grooves properly, resulting in a distorted sound.
How to fix a bent stylus?
If you have determined that your stylus is indeed bent, there are a few different ways to try and fix it. Here are some methods:
- Use a stylus alignment protractor: A stylus alignment protractor is a tool that can help you align your stylus properly, which can help fix issues caused by a bent stylus. To use it, you need to print out the protractor, place it on the turntable, and then adjust the alignment of the stylus according to the instructions. This method can help fix minor bends in the stylus.
- Use a magnifying glass and a steady hand: If the bend is minor, you can try using a magnifying glass to identify the exact location of the bend. Then, using a steady hand and a pair of tweezers, gently bend the stylus back into place. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or you could damage the stylus even further.
- Replace the stylus: If the bend is severe, it may be best to replace the stylus altogether. While this can be expensive, it’s the best way to ensure that your records are not damaged and that you are getting the best possible sound quality.
- Seek professional help: If you are not confident in your ability to fix a bent stylus, or if you are unsure of the severity of the bend, it’s best to seek professional help. A turntable repair shop or a technician should be able to help you identify and fix the issue.
Preventing stylus bending
Prevention is always better than cure, and the same is true for preventing stylus bending. Here are some tips to help prevent your stylus from becoming bent:
- Handle with care: Always handle your stylus with care, as they are delicate and can be easily damaged. When placing the stylus on the record, be sure to do so gently and at the correct angle.
- Keep your turntable clean: A dirty turntable can cause the stylus to become misaligned or bent. Make sure to keep your turntable clean and free of dust and debris.
- Use a record brush: Using a record brush can help keep your records clean and free of dust and debris
- Use high-quality records: Low-quality records can cause excessive wear and tear on the stylus, which can cause it to become bent. Using high-quality records can help prevent this issue.
- Check the alignment: Make sure to check the alignment of your stylus regularly. Misaligned stylus can cause uneven wear on your records and can also cause the stylus to become bent over time.
By following these tips, you can help prevent your stylus from becoming bent and ensure that you are getting the best possible sound quality from your turntable.
In conclusion, a bent stylus can cause poor sound quality and damage to your records. By identifying the signs of a bent stylus and following the methods discussed in this article, you can fix the issue and prevent it from happening in the future. Remember to always handle your stylus with care, keep your turntable clean, and use high-quality records to help prevent stylus bending.
