I tried the "kiddie microscope" route but these don't elevate high enough to place the cartridge on to the slide area.
I purchased a 30X hand-held inspection scope that did the trick. Make sure it comes with a plastic snap-on fixture to hold a fixed length (away from the stylus).
You are looking at the general condition of the stylus.
Make sure it looks close to new and, especially, that there are no flat spots on either side.
the stylus and shaft should be symetrical and not leaning to the right or left.
Inspect the suspension and make sure it's not dried out and/or cracked.
I purchased a 30X hand-held inspection scope that did the trick. Make sure it comes with a plastic snap-on fixture to hold a fixed length (away from the stylus).
You are looking at the general condition of the stylus.
Make sure it looks close to new and, especially, that there are no flat spots on either side.
the stylus and shaft should be symetrical and not leaning to the right or left.
Inspect the suspension and make sure it's not dried out and/or cracked.