[78-L] Life of diamond 78 stylus in Stanton 500

[lotsastuff at iinet.net.au]

On Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:51:22 -0500
David Lennick <dlennick at sympatico.ca> wrote:

> lotsastuff at iinet.net.au wrote:
> > Hi,
> > 
> > New to the list...  I listen to 78s mainly using a Stanton 500 cart with a diamond 78 stylus.
> > 
> > I have just ordered a replacement stylus in case I break the one I have had for about 6 months now, but I was wondering how long I should expect the first one to last before it is worn out?
> > 
> As I said to the list the other day, I have a Stanton (original, not after 
> market) 2.1 TE stylus that I've been using regularly since 1999 and there's no 
> sign of wear. Ditto the 2.8 I bought at the same time. 


That's impressive!    Do you play the very oldest (which I read have an abrasive filler) and/or poor condition records with those stylii?  Do scratches make them wear faster?

My current stylus is an original, and I just ordered an after-market one  - half the price, which will do for a backup.


> 
> > Also, when it is worn, is it still useful for older worn records that have been played by steel needles?
> > 
> It will more likely have a bent cantilever or have lost its tip entirely. 


Yes, I cringe when it encounters a bad scratch or chip, but sometimes you really want to hear that old 'gem' despite it's condition. :)




> Diamonds are pretty damn near forever (hey, that would make a good movie and 
> song title).


Needs work. :P



Thanks for the advice.