How do you clean your stylus?

[NorthStar]

Well, here's a picture of my two year old Kiseki Purpleheart cantilever and stylus. I have used Onzow - and nothing else - to keep it "clean". I have used Onzow before and after each record consistently.

Not a good showing. I've just now tried ME dips to see if the gunk build up around the base of the stylus would come off, but no dice. It looks like I'm going to need to get some cleaning solution and a brush, as well as then find a better consistent cleaning method.

Interestingly, in my other system, my Transfiguration Proteus looks squeaky clean. It seems to have some cantilever discoloration down towards the stylus, but doesn't have the gunk build up.

The proof is in the "pudding".

? https://www.amazon.ca/EnTeck-Illumi...ocphy=9001612&hvtargid=pla-392666317888&psc=1

 

[dminches]

What are people using to get a close up view of their stylus.

 

[bazelio]

Ok, guess what.... It's the stylus glue. It's not gunk build up.

Edit: I used a USB microscope.

 

[DaveyF]

Well, here's a picture of my two year old Kiseki Purpleheart cantilever and stylus. I have used Onzow - and nothing else - to keep it "clean". I have used Onzow before and after each record consistently.

Not a good showing. I've just now tried ME dips to see if the gunk build up around the base of the stylus would come off, but no dice. It looks like I'm going to need to get some cleaning solution and a brush, as well as then find a better consistent cleaning method.

Interestingly, in my other system, my Transfiguration Proteus looks squeaky clean. It seems to have some cantilever discoloration down towards the stylus, but doesn't have the gunk build up.

Hard to say, but that stylus looks like it may be damaged?

 

[bazelio]

I don't think so. It sounds fine. I also just took the picture to The Analog Room (local vinyl guru who used to write for TAS owns) and he said don't worry, it's just glue. The stylus itself will look cleaner once it's dipped in st-50.

ALSO : he said throw away the Onzow immediately and use a brush. He actually sells the Onzow and said it's dangerous. One customer had a stylus detach from the cantilever inside it.

 

[NorthStar]

What are people using to get a close up view of their stylus.

 

[NorthStar]

Those are also very inexpensive and they have two magnifiers in one (30x & 60x) plus they have a LED light integrated ($10):

-> https://www.amazon.ca/Trading-Jewel...ocphy=9001612&hvtargid=pla-321748890696&psc=1

 

[NorthStar]

-> https://www.amazon.ca/Yasumai-Magni...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7NGMD943K009N3PJA0P4

And illuminated:

 

[NorthStar]

I would like to see it after a good brushing with stylus fluid.

 

[NorthStar]

I would like to see it after a good brushing with stylus fluid.

That's the best that I could find...your stylus tip, your cantilever from your cartridge.

You are right; it is the compound that glues the diamond stylus to the tube (cantilever).
Your USB microscope (magnifier) is quite powerful.

"The Kiseki PurpleHeart N.S. is a true beauty in every sense. Physically, it is made of rare Purpleheart wood, which turns from brown to a golden purple in direct or indirect sunlight. It sports a boron cantilever the size of a human hair, and a diamond so small that my 66-year-old eyes cannot see it, even with a magnifying glass. Though 30mm long, it weighs only 7 grams. Its edges are all right angles which make for easy setup. In addition, its strong .48mV output is a chip shot for all MC step-up devices that exist in the world."

• https://positive-feedback.com/Issue74/kiseki_purpleheart.htm

 

[Ron Resnick]

Are you guys getting any closer to a definitive product and procedural recommendation?

 

[Folsom]

I have a small brush for hairs or something that is larger. But for me the ME is the ticket now for sure.

 

[tima]

I have a small brush for hairs or something that is larger. But for me the ME is the ticket now for sure.

Don't toss your brush. An important part of the ME protocol is to gently brush the stylus after using the ME because it can leave small amounts of ME residue on the stylus. PeterA uses the Onzow for that purpose; I like a 00 artist brush. The residue looks like very tiny white flakes. That happens probably less than 50% of the time but that residue should not go into the groove.

 

[tima]

What are people using to get a close up view of their stylus.

I recommend a 10X loupe to inspect the stylus and a, say 3x, magnifying glass while cleaning. See the picture in post #14.

 

[tima]

Are you guys getting any closer to a definitive product and procedural recommendation?

A singular product recommendation and technique agreed to by most thread participants? No.

The thread asks: "How do you clean your stylus?" The closest I can get to your executive summary is post # 130 - written for you btw - which assesses and boils it down to two approaches. Best I can tell no one has objected/rejected its characterization yet - of course that could change at any moment.

There are those who say "I do what I do and it is fine for me." There are a few such as Folsom who tried a method he had not used (Magic Eraser) and seems now to be a convert. If I recall the correctly, no one has switched to using the Onzow product because of the discussion here.

I don't think we have a "Forget it Jake, its Chinatown." conclusion. You can take your pick based on discussion. My (perhaps biased) suggestion is to listen to people who have been maintaing their own cartridges for years and adopt the method they use.

 

[DaveyF]

Bob, thanks for posting all of the photos of the various loops and magnifying devices. Only concern i would have with them is that one has to be very very careful when using them and focusing on the stylus- to not bump or touch the cartridge. Bumping the cantilever with the loop could be very damaging to the cantilever. The focal length is therefore questionable with these devices when looking at the cantilever/stylus--made more difficult based on the particular design of the cartridge and cantilever assembly. Therefore, this would lead me to shy away from using these devices due to potential risk of damage. One mistake and it could be costly!

 

[Folsom]

Don't toss your brush. An important part of the ME protocol is to gently brush the stylus after using the ME because it can leave small amounts of ME residue on the stylus. PeterA uses the Onzow for that purpose; I like a 00 artist brush. The residue looks like very tiny white flakes. That happens probably less than 50% of the time but that residue should not go into the groove.

I guess I could use my SolidState for that. Good point.

 

[DaveyF]

Are you guys getting any closer to a definitive product and procedural recommendation?

Excellent question. It seems the answer is illusive, as it appears to be dependent on the comfort level with some of the products available. I am one of those that seem to be more risk adverse in regards to some of the products, like the ME. Others are seemingly more accepting of something like the ME...which there is nothing wrong with. I do question whether the results with using the ME ( or for that matter something like Onzow) are possibly detrimental...which most likely depends on the protocol that is used. Another question ---does anyone have knowledge of anyone who has damaged their cartridge using ME? ( With all due respect to Peter A, who I am sure has the art of applying ME down to a fine art).

 

[NorthStar]

Bob, thanks for posting all of the photos of the various loops and magnifying devices. Only concern i would have with them is that one has to be very very careful when using them and focusing on the stylus- to not bump or touch the cartridge. Bumping the cantilever with the loop could be very damaging to the cantilever. The focal length is therefore questionable with these devices when looking at the cantilever/stylus--made more difficult based on the particular design of the cartridge and cantilever assembly. Therefore, this would lead me to shy away from using these devices due to potential risk of damage. One mistake and it could be costly!

I have used the 30x jeweler magnifier for over twenty years without ever any incident.
I lock on my tonearm when I inspect. And with practice we get good and quick @ it, I do.

By the way, Tima mentioned 10x ... I recommend 20x @ minimum.

 

[NorthStar]

And when you have a brand new cart and stylus, or a stylus replacement; inspect it first with the magnifier, so that you have a reference of what it looks like when clean.

And I still would love to hear from Mike Lavigne and David (ddk) on this important topic.
To me they are the two grand maestros in the art of everything turntable related maintenance for optimum performance. ...Two for sure among the best.
_____

? https://www.worldwidestereo.com/blo...-your-turntable-prolong-the-life-of-your-gear