How many hours you getting out of cutting styli?

[dietrich10]

I use until sonic or eye issue detected. not sure I ever make it 20 hours of use.

Latest one lasted just under 10 hours. there was something on a test cut lacquer that messed it up. first time ever had that happen

[concretecowboy71]

What do you hear sonically that make you reject a stylus?

I have been surprised at how long my styli have been lasting. More than 10 hours for sure.


When some of mine went bad, I heard some light static/noise in the cuts. What else should I be look for?

When my grooves stop being nice and sharp looking under the scope, that is when I change my stylus.

I am still pretty new, so I could be way wrong also!

[dietrich10]

I do silent groove test cuts every now and then. listen on different systems very loud.

[Nickou]

I use 1 stylus per box of master.


Even if the stylus is still good , I change it : I ll have a better result during the plating and pressing.


I think 10 hours is a lot for good quality mastering , 20 or more are ok for dubplates.