• Around The HomeToggle Menu

    • Entertainment
    • Productivity
    • Smart Home
  • FamilyToggle Menu

    • Parenting
    • Toys
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • ReviewsToggle Menu

    • Phones
    • Tablets
    • Laptops
    • Desktops
    • Wearables
    • Audio
    • Cameras
    • Headphones
    • Printers
    • Smart Home
    • TVs
    • Gaming and Video
  • One Cool ThingToggle Menu

    • Frugal Tech
    • Kickstarters
    • Videos
  1. Home
  2. Around The Home
  3. Entertainment
  4. How to Change a Record Player Needle

How to Change a Record Player Needle

By: Michael Francisco
  • Share
  • Share on Facebook

There has been a recent resurgence in the popularity of vinyl records, as younger consumers have come to appreciate the full spectrum of sounds that analog can provide. Many new vinyl releases come with a digital download code, so the iPod crowd can enjoy the album in digital format in their headphones. However, record player needles wear out over time and will eventually need to be replaced. The process for changing a record player needle is relatively simple.

...
Record player needles should provide around 500 hours of use.

Step

Turn off your record player and speakers. If your turntable has a built-in preamp, it may be easier to switch it off, so you don't have to get up and turn off a set of speakers that may be hard to reach. Remove any lock or lever that holds the tone arm in place. Carefully lift the tone arm and grip the worn needle. While holding the arm in place, pull out the worn needle.

Step

Place the worn needle away from the new needle, so you don't get them mixed up. Take the compressed air and spray the area of the arm where you just removed the needle, to make sure it is clean. Insert the new needle into the cartridge opening, with the point down. Gently lay the tone arm back into position.

Video of the Day

Step

Play a record to test your work. Listen for popping, snapping and skipping, especially if your old needle barely produced those sounds in the first place. Adjust the counterweight on the tone arm that is at the opposite end of the needle, if you record player has one. If popping and skipping still occur, you should bring your record player to an authorized repair shop.

Show Comments

Related Articles

How Do I Fix the Needle on My Record Player That Broke?

How Do I Fix the Needle on My Record Player That Broke?

Around The Home
Entertainment
By: Ryan Maxwell
How to Repair a Walkman Cassette

How to Repair a Walkman Cassette

Around The Home
Entertainment
By: Jon Stefansson
Homemade Record Player Needle

Homemade Record Player Needle

Around The Home
Entertainment
By: Robyn Murray
How Do Gramophones Work?

How Do Gramophones Work?

Around The Home
Entertainment
By: Isaiah David
How to Convert an 8 Track Tape to a CD

How to Convert an 8 Track Tape to a CD

Around The Home
Entertainment
By: JoshuaWhite
How to Repair Broken Phonograph Records

How to Repair Broken Phonograph Records

Around The Home
Entertainment
By: Daniel Dissinger
  • HOW WE SCORE
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT US
  • TERMS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • COPYRIGHT POLICY
  • Advertise

An error occurred. Try again later.

Thanks for signing up!
© 2019 Leaf Group Ltd. Leaf Group Media

Get great tech advice delivered to your inbox.

Keep your family productive, connected, entertained, and safe.

Please enter a valid email.