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Build-up on stylus - any new cures?

Hi, I run a restored TD-124 and SME 3009 series II, a Shure V-15 III, and a JICO SAS stylus. The last record or two I played sounded a bit off and I wondered whether I had managed to wear out the stylus. Using a pocket microscope I bought for this, I was able to see that the stylus tip still has good "shoulders," so that much is good. However, it has an astonishing amount of sparkly white build-up around the diamond.

There is a thread on here from 2014 with good advice, and I've used slices from a magic eraser for some years now, occasionally with alcohol. Usually I clean the stylus every other record side with a dry ME. Any new thoughts on removing this junk?
One 2014 poster suggested gently dragging the stylus on the ME back to front. I have never done that but would like to hear if anyone thinks that is safe for the tip? Hopefully there is an inexpensive solution, thanks!
mixermarkwilliams

Showing 3 responses by joenies

joenies's avatar
joenies
273 posts
 
Agree with @noromance  only up and down.
The other day I notice a  piece of lint on my needle. I tried my dry cartridge brush, then Last Stylus cleaner, another fine brush, ME, the lint was still there. Used an older US stylus cleaner that removed the lint. Never had something stick to my needle like that.
 I should have tried my Cardas Frequency Sweep test album. Side 1 tracks 2a, 2b and 2c. Those tracks supposedly will also US clean your needle. I uses that maybe once a month. Used it 2 days before I noticed the lint or fuzz or whatever it was. It’s also a good Test album.
joenies's avatar
joenies
273 posts
 
@mixermarkwillams 
Is the snowball that you reference with the needle peaking thru possibly the adhesive that is used to attach the needle to the cantilever?
My cartridge looks like that also and it’s the adhesive holding the needle in place. I’ll put my cartridge under a microscope later to re-verify that is what it is.
joenies's avatar
joenies
273 posts
 
Flux Hi-Fi makes an ultrasonic stylus cleaner.
The Cardas Frequency Sweep Test Album also does a US cleaning of stylus.
 I’m using an older US cleaner from Signet and the Cardas test album.
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