How to Find a Needle for Your Record Player

If you're playing with a damaged needle, hands down, you are destroying your records. That muffled sound isn't simply unpleasant; it's part of a systematic chiseling of the fine grooves and zigzags that make a record the exhilarating sound experience that it is.

The very point of having a record player is to have exceptional sound, and if you're sitting there with a broken or damaged needle, you may as well just throw your records in the trash and listen to a cd player with cotton in your ears. You are physically lowering the bit rate of your records by knocking the fine, precision sounds right off of them. If you're an audiophile who loves his records, it is time to get off your duff and order some new needles.

Regrettably, finding the right needle for your older record player can be a difficult process. As new record player models come out, old record player models become obsolete and in a lot of cases, the company stops making needle cartridges for that model of old record player.

Use this guide to help you determine the best needle for your record player. There are some resources and links at the bottom of the page that are helpful in determining and ordering a new needle, stylus or cartridge for your older turntable.

Step 1. Look at the make and model of your record player. You should probably already know the make. The model is usually a bunch of letters and numbers. In my case, the make and model of my record is Toshiba SR-255. You will need these numbers. Write them down somewhere.

Step 2. Determine your cartridge. If you still have the cartridge model, that makes it a lot easier to find a replacement. In my case, the cartridge model number is Pickering XV-15 625E. If the cartridge is still there, grab the model number and stick it in Google. Write that down too. Usually, you will come up with a company that offers either authentic or replica replacement stylus packages with prices from $50 to $150. If you're not happy with that, check Ubid or another auction site.

If you can't determine the model number, use this site to identify the best match for your turntable by site. They have a picture guide to record player cartridges that can help you determine what cartridge, stylus or needle is best to use to replace your worn out needle.

Step 3. Once you find your perfect replacement, order extra. Believe me, you don't want to have to do this again.

Oh, and clean your records; your new needle will last longer.

To maintain the best sound quality and the integrity of your precious records, you absolutely must keep your needle in optimum condition. However, be aware that it can sometimes be cheaper to buy a new turntable or record setup than to replace some very rare needles or cartridges.

Here are some sites and resources to help you on your way:

Guides to determine your cartridge, needle or stylus:
http://www.everythingradio.com/NeedlesandCartridges.htm

HiFi audio equipment and accessories, including needles, cartridge and stylus pictures and information:
http://adelcom.net/