Timecode and needle wear

[jamthrax]

over the last week i have noticed one side of my timecode vinyl dropping signal to the point the bmp fluctuates by about 2-3 bmp...

I play in clubs every weekend and normally have to weight the the needles heavy due to either

A) shit needles
B) Vibrations

What i would like to know is how do you know when it is time to change the needles using timecode? I know this may damage the vinyl more due to the fact they are being played constantly..... Where a normal vinyl maybe played every 2 - 3 sessions.

If it helps my needles are stanton 500 mkII.. I have had the decks for 6 months bought off ebay

[jamthrax]

I also try to mix every day for about 2 hours

[paw_20]

you probably should change your needles more often if you weight them. however i think that your issue is the timecode wearing out, and you need a new set of records. especially with shitty needles and a bunch of weight on them.

is this showing up just on one record, whether you change the deck/needle or not? if so, new records are in order.

[Flash101uk]

Do you mix in relative of absolute mode?

If absolute, switch to relative and cue up on another part of the record

[Bryon Stout]

My theory is that timed vinyl wears down your needles VERY FAST. A regular vinyl record has a groove. The needle fits inside the groove and the tip never actually touches the record. The timed vinyls don't have a large groove and I would make a good bet that the tips touch the record also wearing it down super fast.

Take a close looks at a regular record and a timed vinyl. Youll see what im talking about.

[Flash101uk]

I dunno, good theory but ive been running the same M44g's for well over a year with 1-2 hours timecode wear every other day and they still sound perfect on vinyl. It does also depend on the quality and shape of the needle though.