I've had some luck rebending wayward cantilevers, but working under a microscope with tiny microsurgical instruments. Nonetheless, it is not easy and I agree with Elizabeth that the outcome is probably 50/50 at best. Trying to unbend the bend around the original flexure point (especially if the bend is in a tubular cantilever which has crimped on one side) may be technique most fraught with failure - you often create a new separate bend or crack the cantilever when manipulating it. Better to use a long flat plier-type instrument (suture holders/forceps) and engauge the cantilever along its long axis and gently squeeze repeatedly moving circumferentially - distributing the force more gently along the rod/tube. I've managed to salvage a Supex 900, an Acutex 320STR and an AKG P8ES this way. My failures: a Shure V-15 IV and another P8. Intermediate success with a Grace F-9 - the cantilever cracked on one side, but a tiny drop of superglue holds it in place nicely. Do these perform as new? I don't know except for the AKG - which sounds the same as an undamaged one. Also, aluminum is much more flexible and forgiving than exotics like beryllium (all those lovely Micro-Acoustics with broken styli) and boron. And no, I'm not wrecking cartridges routinely - I buy damaged ones for cheap on e-bay and then try to fix them.
Can I straighten an off-center twisted cantilever?
Time for a confession: I played exactly three (3) cuts before trying to fine tune my tonearm's alignment. I lost concentration for an instant. The arm slid across the TT's mat, de-centering and twisting --but not breaking-- the cantilever. The cantilever arm itself is still very straight.
This is a Dynavector 20X-L with low hours, for which I paid $300. What is my best path?
There is a jeweler who will loan me his fine pliers, large scale magnification and a vice. Is there any wisdom in trying to realign the cantilever? (beside this incident I'm very good with my hands) Is there anything to lose? I've emailed Soundsmith to explain the situation but had no response.
If I return the cartridge to Dynavector can they return it to original spec? Is it worthwhile? I know Soundsmith is one option, but an audio buddy said the cartridge will never be original specification after a re-tip or cantilever replacement. Is or should that be a concern?
Since my TT is just operative for the first time, I don't know what I'm missing, and wouldn't mind a couple of months without it. When autumn comes (I'm in the northeast: we're not sure Spring is coming) I would really like to be able to listen to my vinyl.
Thanks very much for your shared thoughts and experience.
David