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Posted by djimmersion on Jun-29-2007 02:06:

How Long should Styli Last?

I am a new vinyl turntable owner but have used supplied turntables at gigs before, and I was wondering how long will my needles (Styli) last?

I have Numark TTX1 turntables with shure whitelabel carts and styli, and I DJ Urban and Electronic music

I land gigs at least twice a month and practice almost everyday, I want to learn how to scratch and plan to invest in seperate Ortofon Q.Bert CC carts and styli for that purpose.

Thanks, DJI

Posted by jun139 on Jun-29-2007 08:13:

it depends on alot of factors ..

like dust .. how long u spin everyday .. the counterweight .. if ur the type to back cue alot.. blah blah

but i THINK it should last u around say .. 8 - 10 months
thts how long my DjE lasted.

but dun take my word for it.. im not too sure.

Posted by Spoonz on Jun-29-2007 09:42:

quote:
Originally posted by jun139
it depends on alot of factors ..

like dust .. how long u spin everyday .. the counterweight .. if ur the type to back cue alot.. blah blah

but i THINK it should last u around say .. 8 - 10 months
thts how long my DjE lasted.

but dun take my word for it.. im not too sure.

definitely, it all depends on ur usage and maintenance. cleaning ur records before or after u play them with a soft make up brush will minimise the dust gathering on the needles.

but yea, there's many more factors

Posted by discobiscuit on Jun-29-2007 13:27:

as long as you want them to... i only change mine if they break (changed)

Posted by spdandpwr on Jun-30-2007 16:58:

i change them every three months because i am a stickler for sound quality...that and i use the needles at least 20 hours a week.

And I also do a lot of scraching and backcueing with high counterweight settings...

Posted by DiscoStew on Jul-02-2007 15:24:

Like has already been said, depends on a lot of things. Personally, if i'm dropping a couple hundred bucks for a pair of cartridges, I'm going to make sure they're well taken care of. You could constatly replace cheaper ones to maintain the sound quality or just make sure you're not abusing them. I've had the same pair for about two years now and as long as I clean them regularly, they sound like the day I got them.

Posted by DiscoStew on Jul-02-2007 15:27:

Re: How Long should Styli Last?

quote:
Originally posted by djimmersion
I DJ Urban music

...

I want to learn how to scratch

nevermind...i hadn't read the whole post. Your needles are going to go to crap real quick w/ that type of stuff, especially during the learning stages. Make sure you have someone help you with your TT's counterweight and anti-skating settings.

Posted by spdandpwr on Jul-02-2007 17:14:

maybe someone can give a quick tutorial on how to clean a stylus...haha cause i would sure like to know if i am doing it right..

Posted by DiscoStew on Jul-02-2007 17:48:

quote:
Originally posted by spdandpwr
maybe someone can give a quick tutorial on how to clean a stylus...haha cause i would sure like to know if i am doing it right..

If you bought a high-end stylus, it should come with a small cleaning kit that has brushes and stuff. If not, this should do the trick too:

http://www.ehow.com/how_11496_clean...ble-stylus.html

Posted by Zild on Jul-02-2007 19:40:

There should be a brush. Brush from the back to the front of the stylus.

Posted by Saint John on Jul-03-2007 01:39:

quote:
Originally posted by Zild
There should be a brush. Brush from the back to the front of the stylus.
brushing does help a ton

Posted by djimmersion on Jul-03-2007 01:44:

Re: Re: How Long should Styli Last?

quote:
Originally posted by DJChrisB
nevermind...i hadn't read the whole post. Your needles are going to go to crap real quick w/ that type of stuff, especially during the learning stages. Make sure you have someone help you with your TT's counterweight and anti-skating settings.

I think I am well passed the learning stages on vinyl seince ive been a DJ for almost 6 years, ive even had to help out other DJ's with those issues, thanks for the concern though.

Thanks to all for the input so far, I am cleaning my records and cart/styli on a daily basis, and I am not one to neglect my equipment seince i paid over 200 on carts alone.

I've got another question: I am planning to buy seperate carts and styli just for scratching and urban music, I think the Q-Bert CC from Ortofon is a good choice, but have any of you found better carts then this for urban/scratching? remember I want to get the best ones money can buy

thanks again, DJI

Posted by Timski on Jul-05-2007 08:14:

When they slide straight across the record is usually a good indicator to get new ones...