View Full Version : How often do you replace your needles?
jaymcneil
08-09-2012, 02:27 PM
How often (timeframe) do you replace your needles?
Maybe include what needles you use and info on roughly how many hours per day or week you are on the tables
djpenguin
08-09-2012, 02:28 PM
When they need replacing (bent, worn out, or otherwise damaged.)
jaymcneil
08-09-2012, 03:40 PM
Yes, but how often do you have to replace them from deeming them "worn out". Timeframe wise.
Nicadraus
08-09-2012, 10:20 PM
My needles usually lasts 3-4 years on a 3-4 times a week use basis. Aside from being bent accidentally, I only replace them when the highs become to high and sharp and a little distorted. That's one of the signs that tell me I need to replace them. :)
Panotaker
08-09-2012, 10:35 PM
Although I have worn out needles in the past, I usually replace them because I accidentally bent one.
Daniel S
08-10-2012, 03:00 AM
I'd say most DJs don't change their styli often enough. When I played vinyl only I used to replace them every 6-9 months to prevent worn or damaged styli from damaging my records. Here's what Ortofon have to say on the matter:
Concerning PRO systems used for "scratching" and "back cuing", we have experienced stylus lifetime to be substantially less because of their unique application. As a consequence DJ`s will have to consider about 500 hours at the most.
http://www.ortofon.com/support/faq-installation#Stylus
dlove
08-10-2012, 03:26 AM
I replace mine every 6 months or so.
[on the decks every day, using ortofon needles]
disparate
08-14-2012, 06:27 AM
When they need replacing (bent, worn out, or otherwise damaged.)
Same. That tends to be every year or 2, and I'm on the decks most days.
djlotus
08-14-2012, 07:07 AM
I'm about every year. Unless I miss the tone arm rest and ride the needle on the side of the platter (which happens more than I care to admit).
bobbyd
08-14-2012, 10:42 AM
I was always very bad. In 16 years of djing, I think I replaced my stylus 2 or 3 times. Most of the time, I just ended up buying cartridges. 6 months to a year seems like a reasonable amount. 500 hours would be a good guide - so if you dj for 3 hours 4 times a week - that would be 624 hours a year.
DJ Retro Blaze
08-14-2012, 11:33 AM
Unless they are damaged, I plan to replace my styli after a year of usage.
I practice about 10 hours per week, and use Shure Whitelabels or Stanton Trackmaster V.3 cartridges. I am still trying to decide which cartridge I prefer most, but so far I am leaning towards the Shure Whitelabels.
ben mills
08-14-2012, 01:08 PM
Using time code, there's a lot less need to replace as sound quality is not dependent on the stylus. I run them until they just don't work anymore - they will last for years without any problem. I think the last time I replaced one, it had been on there for at least four years.
Dantron
08-14-2012, 01:55 PM
18-24 months.
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