Need Advice. When Magic Eraser isn't getting it all, then what?

[Brett a]

Hi all.

I've learned a lesson the hard way. In past weeks, I've gotten lazy (or let's just say too busy) to wet vac new-to-me LPs before I listen to them.

Now I have a tenacious goo ball on the end of my cantilever. If this were happening to me personally, a shot of penicillin would probably clear it up. But since it's my turntable, a different approach is in order.

Dipping it down repeatedly onto a block of Magic Eraser doesn't get it, nor can I work it free with the stylus brush that came with the cart (an AT OC9 MLII).

I'm thinking some fluid might be in order. But what type? I've heard concern about alcohol dissolving the bonding agent holding the stylus on the cantilever.

What to do? Any ideers?

 

[Tuxman]

Remove head shell from arm. Drag stylus across in the same direction as playing an lp. Don't smash it, back cue, or go side to side.

Wet with distilled water as needed.

 

[NoClue48]

I use this: Stanton SC-4 Stylus Cleaner Kit

$19.95 at Amazon

 

[majick47]

For a little more you can get Last stylus cleaner. I swear by it, cleans off junk and never harmed a exspensive stylus after years of use.

 

[kirk57]

I use an electonic stylus cleaner. Some out there on the web advise against them, but I have used mine on a Sumiko BPS (which is a 'naked' MC) for 10 years with no issues. Using it still on AT150mlx.

 

[GreatTone]

If you have a steady hand, you can cut a thin wedge of Magic Eraser, and carefully use the thin edge to abrade the junk. Go back and forth gently, and it should take it off with a little work. That works for me when I get a build up.

 

[beatcomber]

For a little more you can get Last stylus cleaner. I swear by it, cleans off junk and never harmed a exspensive stylus after years of use.

Same here. I'm still using the same little bottle I bought 9 years ago!

 

[markd51]

If you have a steady hand, you can cut a thin wedge of Magic Eraser, and carefully use the thin edge to abrade the junk. Go back and forth gently, and it should take it off with a little work. That works for me when I get a build up.

True, but great care is needed. If it was something like an old Shure, no problem, but some of these delicate MC's have cantilevers, and stylus' so delicate, just a dirty sideways look damages them! lol Mark

 

[markd51]

For a little more you can get Last stylus cleaner. I swear by it, cleans off junk and never harmed a exspensive stylus after years of use.

While I no longer find a need to use LAST Stylus Cleaner, I still have some on hand, and have used it religiously in the past with nary a problem on nude MC Stylus'. It's a good product, and will definitely get the stylus clean as a whistle. Mark

 

[beatcomber]

While I no longer find a need to use LAST Stylus Cleaner

Heh heh, that's why I still have the same bottle for the past 9 years! Only once in a while do I need something more than ME to clean off the gunk. My records these days are very clean.

 

[Brett a]

Thanks guys. I think I'll order some Last. And, as I said in my OP, lesson learned. No more lazy playing of unwashed records no matter how fresh they look. (That's why I have a second 'table anyhow)