Revitalising a hardened cantilever suspension?

[Kay Pirinha]

Hi,
recently I bought a AKG P8ES SuperNova cartridge that, judging by the seller's microscopic photos, appears to have a very intact vdH II stylus. Unfortunately it doesn't play loud enough (I own another one with an aftermarket Shibata stylus to compare with), and it distorts in reproducing heavy piano attacks. The other cart/stylus doesn't. So, regarding it's age of more than 30 years, I suspect the rubber cantilever suspension is hardened. Is there any way to revive it? Or are there people who offer new suspensions/cantilevers or what so ever as a service?
Best regards!

 

[billshurv]

Hi,


I am about to send a P8 to my friend in Russia for just this service. you can do it yourself and he has posted some instructions I can dig out if you are feeling brave.

 

[AVWERK]

I have a Spectral MCR that appeared to be the same way and continued playing for about 10 hours loosened it up into an ultra pure creature

Before you spend money on it at least give it a go with some hours on the wheel

Regards
David

 

[absolon]

I've had some success using several careful applications of Rubber Renue to soften the suspension.

408A / 408B - Rubber Renue - Specialty Cleaners | MG Chemicals

A solution of wintergreen oil and xylene is essentially the same thing.

 

[adason]

or try glycerol

 

[Kay Pirinha]

I'm not sure what you mean with »some hours on the wheel«, David?!?
Btw, your avatar is from Todd Brownings picture Freaks, isn't it?
Best regards!

 

[billshurv]

Some pics. The P8 rubber goes hard. Very hard so unlike say an ADC, you can't wiggle it a bit to get it back to life. Attached is one before and a couple of after shots. If you want to get yours in my next parcel to Russia to save postage happy to add it in.

 

[tvi]

Looks to me like the akg had a wee bit of Viagra too ...