Can You Touch the Needle on a Record Player?
The needle is a hardened tip of the metal arm, or tonearm, that you gently place on records. The needle reads the grooves on the record that transcribe the vibrations of the initial audio recording. This translates those vibrations into audible sound waves that we can hear through speakers or headphones. The needle is also responsible for the sonic characteristics of vinyl records — the quality of the sound can greatly depend on the quality of the needle and how it is used.
While the answer to can you touch the needle on a record player is yes, it is not recommended that you do so. Doing so can cause damage to the record and even to the needle itself. It can scratch the record or leave finger oils that can attract other contaminants to the needle, damaging both of them mathematically. In addition, touching the needle can lead to finger cuts as it has a sharp point.
If you touch the needle on a record player, you can also damage the cartridge. The cartridge is the piece that the stylus plugs into underneath the headshell. To avoid this, it is best to hold the cartridge by its back end rather than by the front of the headshell.
You can purchase replacement stylus tips for your record player from many different places. Some companies offer replacements online, while others have stores in which you can shop. You can also find a wide variety of stylus shapes and sizes. Some are more expensive than others, but it is important to find one that suits your needs and fits your budget.
A new stylus is an essential part of a record player. A worn-out stylus can cause scratches on a vinyl record and produce distorted sounds. You can usually tell when your stylus is dying by listening to the record and noticing any scratchy or distorted sounds. If you notice these signs, it is best to replace your stylus before the damage gets worse.
In order to replace the needle, you must first unplug the turntable and remove any records that are on it. Then, brace the tone arm with your nondominant hand and pull the cueing lever up to lift the needle off of the record. Gently guide the needle down to where it meets the outer edge of the first groove. Once the needle is in place, press play and the music should begin to play.
Once you’ve replaced your stylus, it is important to align it properly. You can use an alignment protractor to ensure that the stylus is on the right track. You should also make sure that the needle is not too far away from the center of the record. Once you’re satisfied that the stylus is properly aligned, you can begin to listen to your favorite records again!
