What is the best way to get dust off cartridge cantilever?

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by James Glennon, Feb 21, 2017.

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  1. James Glennon

    James Glennon Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Dublin, Ireland
    I keep my stylus really clean (Dynavector 17D3) and I am really careful about how I clean it.

    Just today I was checking it out with a magnifying glass if it needed cleaning and I noticed a good bit of dust on the base of the cartridge and the cantilever.

    Anybody got any tips on how to get the dust off a cantilever?

    JG
     
  2. sublemon

    sublemon Forum Resident

    gently with a stylus brush should do it
     
  3. Don't use those short-bristled stylus brushes on the cantilever though. Use a soft brush as the cantilever is way too delicate.
     
  4. Upinsmoke

    Upinsmoke Well-Known Member

    Location:
    SE PA
    Personally I wouldn't worry about it. That is the way people get a broken cantilever by fussing with it. Just use some compressed air and a brush lightly on the stylus. A bit of whatever on the cantilever is not going to effect the sound. And if you screw up a 17D3 your going to cry some ($$$) and then leave the replacement alone. I've never understood the infatuation of obsessive cleaning of the stylus by people. I'm lucking if I do it once every two weeks or so. I'd also avoid any fluid based cleaning of it.
     
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  5. Kristofa

    Kristofa Enthusiast of small convenient sound carrier units

    Location:
    usa
    My Ortofon cartridge came with a long-bristled brush, and they recommend using it longways, which I find does a good job of getting the cantilever as well as the stylus tip. I use a short-bristled brush for just the stylus tip after I use a Magic Eraser. But I use the Ortofon brush between sides. I haven't used a magnifier to see how effective my method is.
     
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  6. James Glennon

    James Glennon Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Dublin, Ireland
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  7. James Glennon

    James Glennon Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Dublin, Ireland
    I hear you about cleaning the stylus, I generally clean every second weeks or so as well. I absolutely love the sound of this cartridge and I don't aim to spend that amount again in the near future.

    I must try compressed air, spraying from the back of the cartridge of course, otherwise the dust will end up IN the cartridge.

    JG
     
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  8. Tim Irvine

    Tim Irvine Forum Resident

    Location:
    Austin, Texas
    Have you checked out the cantiduster? Best $375 you'll ever spend!

    (Joking. All the worthwhile advice has been given. Except possibly blowing instead of using compressed air, which is a pretty stout blast.)
     
  9. Cliff

    Cliff Magic Carpet Man

    Location:
    Northern CA
    I use a 1" horsehair paint brush with lots of TLC. Paint optional.
     
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  10. daytona600

    daytona600 Forum Resident

    Location:
    UK
    RCM
    remove dust at source
     
  11. BrentB

    BrentB Urban Angler

    Location:
    Midwestern US
    I've used a can of compressed air before. With the straw in the nozzle. Like the ones to clean computer keyboards often found at placed like Office Depot.
     
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