Record players are back in style! Sales of LPs shot up in the UK by 11.7% in the first 51 weeks of 2023 to 5.9 million units - the highest it's been since 1990. But maintaining a good record playing set up requires a bit of effort. After all you’ve found just the spot for a turntable with speakers (or without) and you’ve set up your turntable stands - so you’ve already put thought into it. Regular maintenance of your record player is essential to keep it in good condition and to make sure you’re getting the best sound quality.
And top of the list is replacing the fragile but vital needle (or stylus). This is the little hero that moves along the grooves of the record, reading the information and converting it into electrical energy - which is then sent into the amplifier and comes out through the speakers as warm, vinyl goodness.
So in this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of replacing the needle on your record player.
How to spot when it's time for a needle replacement
You’ll hear it before you see it! A damaged or worn-out needle produces distorted sound quality. It’s that muffled, crackling noise that vinyl skeptics mistake for the normal sound of a record player. You might also get a skipping record. If you carefully look at your stylus, it might look a little bent too.
But what this really all means is that it’s time for a new needle. If you keep using a damaged needle, you could even damage your precious vinyl. Yikes!
Picking the right replacement needle
Not all needles are compatible with every record player. That’s why it’s essential to track down the correct replacement needle. But how? The most surefire way is to check the manufacturer's recommendations or instructions in the manual about the kind of needle suitable for your record player. If you’ve thrown away your manual, chances are that you can find the information online by looking up your record player’s make and model. Find your stylus model number and begin your search from there.
Only choose a needle that matches the cartridge's specifications, and don't compromise on quality. Spend a bit more and you’ll be rewarded with even lovelier sounding records.
Step-by-step needle replacement guide
Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools to hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Needle-nose pliers
Small flat-headed screwdriver
Magnifying glass.
It might sound like a bit of an operation, but it’s a lot more straightforward than that. Most record needles are surrounded in a plastic case securing it to the tonearm. There’s usually a little gap which is the perfect sized slot for a small flat-headed screwdriver, so….
Hold the tonearm and gently insert the screwdriver into the gap. This should then pop off easily. You can then slot the new stylus (in its casing) onto the tonearm.
Start at the back and then apply a little upwards pressure so it clicks into place. Whatever you do, don’t touch the stylus needle!
If you’re having trouble seeing, use the the magnifying glass to help you get a close up. The needle nose pliers are handy to have if you can’t get a decent grip on the stylus case. The important thing is not to brute force it. Record players are fantasic, but they’re also delicate. So handle with care.
If in doubt, you can always talk to one of our Tech experts for help.
Soundcheck and maintenance tips
After replacing the needle, always conduct a sound check to test the quality. A poorly installed needle produces distorted sound, so check the sound quality by playing a clean record. Regular maintenance is also required to keep the needle in good condition, such as cleaning the cartridge and replacing the dust cover securely. You can also get specialist brushes to clean both the needle and your vinyl. Don’t just use any brush though. Records and resord players are very sensitive, so you’ll need a very soft brush.
FAQs
Is it easy to replace the needle on a record player?
Yes, it is relatively easy with the right tools and instructions. But always check your or go online to your manufacturer’s website for further guidance.
Are record player needles universal?
No, different record players have various specifications, so not all needles are compatible with every record player. You’ll need to make sure you’re replacing one stylus with the same model number.
What holds the needle on a record player?
The needle is held by the cartridge on the record player's tonearm. It's essential to handle the tonearm carefully to avoid damaging other components.
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New to vinyl? Check out our Beginner’s guide to record players and gind out which record player is right for you. Or if you’ve been a vinyl fan for a lot longer and are looking to beef up your sound system, our Audio buying guide makes all the right noises…
