How to use Record Research Lab cartridge cleaner?

A drop or two from the soft brush onto the hard one and then a couple of light back-to-front strokes is all that is needed every five sides or so. I agree with Smholl about cleaning at the end of the session too.

I agree with Steve and, in a typically anal fashion, go a step further. I use two bottles of #9. With the first I apply some #9 directly to the stylus tip using the soft brush and then apply a drop to a LAST stylus brush and give the back to front treatment. Then, I apply a couple-o-drops to a second LAST brush and repeat the back to front. I’ve used some styli for hundreds of hours and viewing them under the microscope shows them to be clean as a whistle. Of course, using RRL record cleaning fluids helps a great deal in that it leaves no residue (unlike many other cleaners) and the stylus does not get as dirty in the first place.

All that said, it pays top check with the cartridge maker to make sure you don't have a hollow cantilever that might wick fluid up into the cartridge - though I've never had a problem with that or stylus adhesion with any cartridge in about 15 years of use.

There are quite a few alternatives out there these days, but I prefer the tried and true - at least for me. I contacted Musical Surroundings awhile back regarding an unrelated matter, and found very interesting their subsequent comments regarding experience with stylus cleaners and damaged/returned cartridges. It is worth a discussion with them if you have the time and interest.

Guys,

Thank you. You have been very helpful.

Sergey
Dayton, OH
USA