Need new needle??

[caper26]

Hey guys. The last time I used my turntable, I noticed that the needle wouldnt stay seated on the record...it would "slide" or slip across the record pretty much of you breathed on it. When I was a kid, I don't remember them being THAT sensitive. Do I need a new needle? It's a Kenwood btw.

[highfigh]

Hey guys. The last time I used my turntable, I noticed that the needle wouldnt stay seated on the record...it would "slide" or slip across the record pretty much of you breathed on it. When I was a kid, I don't remember them being THAT sensitive. Do I need a new needle? It's a Kenwood btw.

If it slides across the record, it A) has a big wad of dust. B) the tracking weight and anti-skate need to be adjusted correctly or C) the diamond is gone.

If you need a new stylus, look in AH for other phono threads- there's a few well-known suppliers, but I can't think of who they are.

[caper26]

I am in Canada if that makes a diff...

[highfigh]

I am in Canada if that makes a diff...

It shouldn't matter. The turntable is a Kenwood- what cartridge is on it? Can you post a photo?

[caper26]

I can take a look tomorrow. I don't know much about the parts of record players, but I bought one because I was interested in the sound and have collected a few older records over the years at yard sales, etc...lots of KISS, 80's hair bands, classic rock, etc... Will post pics, thanks!

[skizzerflake]

Most cartridges will fit although you might need some tiny little shims and screws to get it aligned correctly. You can find a wealth of choices and info at the Needle Doctor - http://www.needledoctor.com/

[MKnox]

Most probably you will end up getting a new needle, got the same problem some years ago... had to get a new one.

[highfigh]

Replacing just the stylus has never been particularly economical when compared with the price of a whole cartridge, so don't be too emotionally attached to the old one. If you want a good, reasonable, durable cartridge, look at the Audio Technica line- fair prices, good sound and they'll work with your turntable's tone arm. I would pass on the P-mount models- just get the kind that has two screw holes in the top of the mount, like the AT-155LC (which is a really good cartridge).

[caper26]

Thanks for the info, believe it or not I am just getting around to this again.
[THIS] is the one I have. Here is the [MANUAL]. It doesn't have the balance knob or any skating control from what I can see. Any help out there??

[TLS Guy]

Thanks for the info, believe it or not I am just getting around to this again.
[THIS] is the one I have. Here is the [MANUAL]. It doesn't have the balance knob or any skating control from what I can see. Any help out there??

That's too bad. Unfortunately I remember those. You can't adjust the weight. It was designed as a unit. All cartridges have a different mass, and so you have to use the cartridge that came with it. I very much doubt a replacement stylus for that unit is available. In any event the cartridges from Kenwood were absolutely horrid and sounded awful as well as causing disc damage.

I know this may be hard for you to swallow, but my best advice is to dispose of that turntable and purchase another with the advice of some of us who have been around since the LP appeared.

Since you are a turntable neophyte, it really is important for you to seek help along the way. We could have prevented this purchase.

Getting into vinyl is a lot more complicated than getting into digital media. When all is said and done, a turntable is a simple device, but does require the learning of a fundamental knowledge base.