I am about bring an old "Stanton" cartridge out of retirement and I have been told that the suspension will have become dried and stiff. I can also remember reading somewhere that a drop of "Last" record cleaner/preserver will help restore the elasticity of the suspension. Is this true or an unban myth? Does anyone have any experince /advice on this area?
Jonathan Bright
Jonathan Bright
a) is impossible to say for a particular cartridge, it happens to
some, i wouldn't call it drying out, it chemical degradation, just
like what happens to some foam speaker surrounds, or natural
rubber which hardens over time.
b) if the suspension has degraded it can't be restored IMO.
🙂 sreten.
some, i wouldn't call it drying out, it chemical degradation, just
like what happens to some foam speaker surrounds, or natural
rubber which hardens over time.
b) if the suspension has degraded it can't be restored IMO.
🙂 sreten.
It might be worth trying the silicone oil sold for renovating car trim, etc. The stuff I use is called 'Black Pack', and it does wonders for 'dried out' vintage turntable mats, making them supple and elastic once more.
I MUST STRESS, though that I haven't tried it on cartridge suspensions!
I MUST STRESS, though that I haven't tried it on cartridge suspensions!
Thanks for that. It's a thoughtful idea. I know it's a "long shot" but I would still be interested in anyone who has had experience with the "Last" treatment. But all suggestions gratefully received. Any other ideas. The cartridge is a Stanton 681 which was quite good in its day which was over 25 yrs ago now. Jonathan Bright
I don't know about Last itself, but their stylus treatment fluid, "Stylast" is reputed to help keep cartridge suspensions from drying out when used regularly. As far as actually restoring a dried out cartridge, I haven't heard this.
Hope this helps,
Doug
Hope this helps,
Doug
Dear E.Peasant. Thanks. That may well be the info' I had previously heard. I see you're a new arrival to DIY, welcome aboard. Jonathan.
Radio Shack used to have a liquid that was supposed to rejuvinate rubber belts and idler wheels. I'd avoid anything that has silicone in it. Except Pandora Peak's rack, of course 🙂
BTW, Plastic is either thermoplastic or thermosetting. Thermoplastic flows when heated. Thermosetting just turns to ash. Any polymer engineers out there?
BTW, Plastic is either thermoplastic or thermosetting. Thermoplastic flows when heated. Thermosetting just turns to ash. Any polymer engineers out there?
might want to wait
If the elastomer is degrading a chemicle may accelerate it.
I have many new stylii that are 20 and even 30 years old. They work fine. If it has been in a box then that helps alot, especially if it has been in a box with other synthetic materials. They seem to "outgas" and keep one another young.
I have a Stanton 500 that tracks at 2 grams. I bought several stylii from a broadcast supply over ten years ago and they were probably over 15 years ago then. They are still like new.
In fact I have many Empire, Stanton, and Shure that are still NIB. All of them have retained compliance. Best Regards, Mark
If the elastomer is degrading a chemicle may accelerate it.
I have many new stylii that are 20 and even 30 years old. They work fine. If it has been in a box then that helps alot, especially if it has been in a box with other synthetic materials. They seem to "outgas" and keep one another young.
I have a Stanton 500 that tracks at 2 grams. I bought several stylii from a broadcast supply over ten years ago and they were probably over 15 years ago then. They are still like new.
In fact I have many Empire, Stanton, and Shure that are still NIB. All of them have retained compliance. Best Regards, Mark
- Status
- Not open for further replies.