Many people love listening to music on vinyl for the antique feel or the rich sound quality. To enjoy your favorite records the way they were meant to be heard, you need a reliable record player with a working needle, also called a stylus. Learning more about how to assess your record player can help you work with your record shop to keep it in excellent condition. Here are a few ways to tell if your stylus needs to be replaced.

How to Tell If Your Record Player Needs a New Needle

1. Residue On the Tip

If your needle has accumulated dirt or grime, try cleaning it first using a cleaning solution designed for record players. This should usually be cleaned on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. If it hasn’t been done for months or years, you may be better off getting a replacement.

2. Jagged or Bent Parts

If the needle looks bent, you’ll want to get a replacement before listening to anything. You could seriously damage records with a needle in this condition, so a new one is a small investment compared to the damage the old one could do.

3. Hissing or Static Sounds

If you sample a record at the record shop and get a clean sound, only to hear a static or hissing when you try it on your own player, chances are the needle is bad. These sounds may be in the background or may come off as sibilance, or an overemphasis on “s” sounds.

4. Bouncing

If the needle begins to bounce along the record, it’s likely due to age or damage. Not only does this impact your ability to hear the records, but it can also risk damaging them as well.

5. Dull Sound

Sometimes a record that sounded fine will suddenly sound less bright, as if the treble has been turned down. This isn’t a sign of anything wrong with the record—often the player, more specifically the aging needle, is to blame. 

If you’re looking for a record shop with a fantastic selection of hard-to-find musical gems, visit Alison’s Record Shop in Nashville, TN. Whether you’re in the market for new or used vinyl records or turntables to play them on, you’ve found the right place. Come browse a variety of genres and artists and learn more about what makes vinyl so special. To learn more, visit their website or call (615) 356-0180.