The forums are an absolute goldmine of information regarding cartridges and styli, so this post is as concise as is practical. As mentioned way back in post #1, "Stylus" is singular and "Styli" is plural - it is not "Stylii".
As described in earlier posts, one common problem with old record players is low, or non existent, audio. "Audio" means "sound, eg music, at the loudspeaker". This could be caused by low power due to weak valves or rectifier (low emission or output respectively), faulty potentiometer (volume control) but possibly the most common cause is a failed, or failing, cartridge.
How it all works is very simple. The record groove, or track, has a varying horizontal pitch (mono records) or a varying horizontal and vertical pitch (stereo records). The pitch is akin to a visible waveform in the surface of the record. This pitch causes the stylus to 'vibrate' as the tonearm follows the groove across the record. The stylus is screwed, clamped or clipped to the cartridge and the stylus shank sits on a tiny 'rubbery' seat which is located at the front of, and is part of, the cartridge. By this means, the 'vibrations' from the record are carried inside the cartridge.
Not infrequently we get members who are unfamiliar with record players and, perhaps understandably in the 21st century, are confused with the
difference between a stylus and a cartridge. Looking at the second image below, the stylus is the white component marked ST8 and this clips into the cartridge which is the large boxy black component. This is the general arrangement but, as will be seen, the actual appearance of cartridges and styli varies widely.
At this point it's a good idea to briefly mention the different types of
cartridge, namely crystal, ceramic and magnetic. We are concerned only with the first two in this guide but, more specifically, the crystal type. This is because the crystal cartridge is a) the type most likely to fail and b) by Sod's Law is the type found in the majority of old record players from the 1950's and 1960's which have not undergone any repairs of restoration.
The crystals are of Rochelle Salt and do not like dampness as this effectively turns them to goo and destroys them. Unfortunately many old record players which have just been dragged out and sold at last Sunday's boot sale will likely have been stored for years in just the sort of conditions which will kill a crystal cartridge.
So to return to our 'vibrations', these are converted by the crystal(s) into tiny electric currents which are invariably measured in, and quoted as, mV (millivolts). This is the signal which, via wires located beneath the tonearm, is fed to the amplifier and ultimately the loudspeaker to enable your treasured Arthur Mullard and Hylda Baker record to be heard by all your neighbours.
^ These images show just three of the many types of now-obsolete crystal cartridge. The lefthand image shows a BSR X3 type cartridge minus it's stylus and this is convenient to show the little rubber 'seat', mentioned earlier, onto which the stylus locates. The centre image shows a BSR X5 type. These images also appear in the attachment
here together with descriptions, so we don't need to repeat the information here. Perhaps needless to say,
Philips were a law unto themselves and their peculiar cartridge contraptions are also covered therein, as well is in post #16 below.
^ This image shows the BSR SC12H
Stereo
Ceramic
High output cartridge. A
Medium output version is also around. The cartridge illustrated is complete with stylus and the all-important mounting bracket (sometimes called the "mounting clip"). This cartridge is, at the time of writing, still available and is a common choice for replacing expired crystal cartridges. Be aware that some adaption may be necessary, not only for fitting but also the tracking weight may need checking and adjusting (more on this later). Other types can still be obtained including a small number of reproduction crystal types, but at a price when compared to the SC12 types. On the latter, shopping around is worthwhile as prices can, and do, vary.
Be aware that the SC12H may be of
too high output for certain record players, depending upon the amplifier. If unsure then opt for the SC12M or
check by creating a forum thread, giving the make and model of your record player.
But my old mono cartridge has two terminals on its rear and the stereo SC12 has four (two signal and two ground, one each per channel), you may well be telling yourself. Not a problem, see
this thread.
One common head-scratcher (lice excepted), with a newly acquired, but old, record player with low, or no, audio is determining where the problem lies. The first thing to do is ascertain if the problem is a failed cartridge or trouble elsewhere. Very often it's the cartridge, if a crystal type is fitted.
The trick, assuming the machine is safe to power up, is to allow the machine to warm up (if valved) and turn the volume up to a high level. Touch, if possible, the terminals at the rear of the cartridge with the wires connected. It may be necessary, however, to disconnect the wires and remove, if present, the protective sleeves covering the terminals. Do this with great care as the wires and their terminals are fragile and repairing them can be extremely fiddly.
If the wires are disconnected, touch their ends. If a loud buzz emits from the loudspeaker the amplifier is very likely OK but the cartridge has failed. If only a weak, or no, buzz results you have an amplifier and/or power problem. Bear in mind that in this circumstance the cartridge may also be duff but, whatever and wherever, there will be a power or amplifier problem to deal with anyway.
Caution. On some basic, el cheapo, record players, the wiring to the cartridge may be electrically live to the HT and thus will give you a surprise jolt. Best to check first with a meter or a neon screwdriver IF you have one which operates at a suitable voltage range.
Should you wish to replace a
stylus, a good range of these remains widely available - even for vintage machines. This is all well and good but many cartridges, as stated earlier, for vintage machines are obsolete and usually have to be substituted with something more modern.
The forums have many newcomers to vintage record players who seek a new stylus. Often they quote the make/model of their record player and ask "Where can I get a new stylus for a Bush so-and-so?". This is unhelpful because a) the make and model of deck is needed and b) what cartridge is
currently fitted needs to be known.
The stylus, of which there are hundreds, is relevant to what
cartridge is fitted. Obviously, therefore, if the original cartridge as specified when the machine was new has been substituted due to obsolescence then the current cartridge is the relevant detail.
A Google, or whatever, search will highlight numerous
suppliers of styli around the world (and, to a lesser degree, cartridges). Pointing once again to our Vintage Audio section, we have a list of cartridge and styli supplies there.
Here is the direct link.
Finally and conveniently overlapping the next post, if you have a crystal cartridge which is still in working order, you may care to consider changing it for a ceramic type anyway. Ceramic types generally track lighter and thus will cause less wear of your records. This is a matter of personal choice and, to a degree, a matter of opinion though.