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Can I use a Shure V15 Type IV stylus in a V15 Type III cartridge body?

trickert

trickert

Member
Hi,
I've been going through old cartridges I inherited from my Dad, and he had two Shure V 15s--a Type IV and a Type III. He had several styli for the IV, but none for the III. Can I run a IV stylus in the III cartridge? I've searched online but can't find anything--someone suggested you can run the III stylus in the IV body, but there's nothing I could find about a IV stylus in a III body. Thanks for any guidance!
 
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I don't know Shure V15 data, but Shure have this to say:

"One distinctive difference between each generation of the V15 is the shape and dimensions of the Pole Pieces and Stylus Brass Housing. This means that the styli are not interchangeable from one generation to the next. They do not provide a proper fit, or alignment, between the Magnet and Pole Pieces."
 
Pretty sure the brass cantilever housing will fit from the IV into the III. But I’m not sure the grip for the IV will fit properly around the nose of the III.

I prefer the IV over the III. So I no longer have a III to check for you.

Try it for yourself and see!
 
BTW what happened to the official Shure cartridge data site, went looking and not there?
 
......Then don’t push it!

IIRC, the III ushered in the smaller-sized brass housing. Stayed that size until the xMR arrived in 1997.
 
I see there is a short thread on the differences between the V15 III, IV, and V... among other things that may address it...
 
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I may try the IV needle in the III body, but as mkane warned, I'll be super careful. If any resistance or such, I'll abandon--don't want to jam the thing or break something. I am surprised no one has tried this before, though, since it looks like IV styli are more plentiful than III styli.
 
https://service.shure.com/s/article/timetable-history-of-the-v15-cartridge-models?language=en_US

A brief history of the V15:

  • V15 1964-1966
  • V15 Type II 1966-1970
  • V15 Type II Improved 1970-1973
  • V15 Type III 1973-1978
  • V15 Type IV 1978-1982
  • V15 Type V 1982-1983
  • V15 Type V-MR 1983-1993
  • V15 Type VxMR 1996-2005

One distinctive difference between each generation of the V15 is the shape and dimensions of the Pole Pieces and Stylus Brass Housing. This means that the styli are not interchangeable from one generation to the next. They do not provide a proper fit, or alignment, between the Magnet and Pole Pieces.

In 1983, Shure introduced the Micro-Ridge (MR) diamond for the V15 Type V. Shure also offered the Micro-Ridge diamond on replacement styli for V15 Type III and Type IV. Again, long term quantities were estimated and produced. Circumstantially, the tooling for the V15 Type V allowed for additional production of Type III replacement styli. This accounts for the larger availability of Type III and Type V replacement styli.

Shure experienced dramatic shifts in demand for phono cartridges when the CD Player was introduced in the late 1980’s. In the early 1990’s cartridge sales plummeted, OEM business ceased, and Shure gave serious consideration to ending all phono production.

In 1995, under new phono management, Shure re-engineered our phono products and manufacturing process to allow us to produce significantly lower quantities, maintain our quality standards, locate reliable suppliers, and maintain a fair market price. The action allowed Shure to remain in the phono cartridge business, but unfortunately, required that we cease to support pre-1995 products beyond the final inventory build-ups.

For V15 products, a replacement stylus was typically available for years after the cartridge was officially discontinued. Some inventory usually remained in the retail channel for 2-3 years.

Shure’s inventory of VN45E, VN45HE, and VN45MR styli completely expired in the late 1990’s. We are unable to re-produce this part due to scarcity of tooling and raw materials.

The V15VxMR, was discontinued in 2005. As of June 2005, there are no plans to design another V15 cartridge.

Bold text was posted earlier ;)

Nashou
 
So, I fiddled around with it a bit. It goes in maybe a quarter inch, then gets very snug. And with the information above, looks like it's a dead end, and best just get a III stylus replacement. Too bad about the compatibility, though!
 
trickert said:
So, I fiddled around with it a bit. It goes in maybe a quarter inch, then gets very snug. And with the information above, looks like it's a dead end, and best just get a III stylus replacement. Too bad about the compatibility, though!
Click to expand...

There is no shortage of III's. LPGear, LPTunes, TurntableNeedles, eBay, etc.
 
And compatible doesn't just mean a stylus will physically fit. The positioning of the magnets/iron sleeves in relation to internal components. is critical. You may get sound but it may not be what the manufacturer intended or that you are expecting.

Doug
 
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