A stylus is a needle-shaped device that is used to track the grooves on a vinyl record. It is responsible for converting the mechanical vibrations of the grooves into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and sent to speakers.
A bent stylus can cause a number of problems, including:
- Intermittent playback: The stylus may skip over parts of the record, or it may not track the grooves properly.
- Poor sound quality: The sound may be distorted or muffled.
- Damage to the record: The stylus may scratch the record, making it unplayable.
How to check if your stylus is bent
There are a few ways to check if your stylus is bent:
- Visual inspection: Look at the stylus closely under a bright light. If you can see any kinks or bends in the needle, it is likely that the stylus is bent.
- Play a record: Listen to the record carefully. If you hear any skipping or distortion, it is likely that the stylus is bent.
- Use a stylus force gauge: A stylus force gauge is a device that measures the amount of force that the stylus is applying to the record. If the stylus force is too high, it can cause the stylus to bend.
How to fix a bent stylus
If your stylus is bent, you may be able to fix it yourself. However, it is important to note that if the stylus is bent too much, it may not be possible to fix it.
To fix a bent stylus, you will need a pair of tweezers and a magnifying glass. First, use the tweezers to gently straighten the stylus. Be careful not to bend the stylus too much, or you could damage it further. Once the stylus is straightened, use the magnifying glass to check that it is not bent again.
If you are not comfortable fixing the stylus yourself, you can take it to a professional. A qualified technician will be able to fix the stylus or replace it if necessary.
Preventing stylus damage
There are a few things you can do to prevent stylus damage:
- Handle your records carefully: Do not drop or scratch your records.
- Clean your records regularly: Dust and dirt can build up on records and cause the stylus to wear out prematurely.
- Use a record cleaning brush: A record cleaning brush can help to remove dust and dirt from your records without damaging the grooves.
- Avoid playing warped records: Warped records can put stress on the stylus and cause it to bend.
- Replace your stylus regularly: The stylus will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. The frequency with which you need to replace your stylus will depend on how often you use your turntable.
Conclusion
A bent stylus can cause a number of problems, including intermittent playback, poor sound quality, and damage to records. If you think your stylus may be bent, you can check it visually or use a stylus force gauge. If the stylus is bent, you may be able to fix it yourself, but if it is bent too much, you will need to take it to a professional. There are a few things you can do to prevent stylus damage, such as handling your records carefully, cleaning them regularly, and avoiding playing warped records.
