How hard is it to change the stylus (n44-7) on the m44-7?

[funke]

Im about due for some new Shure needles and I noticed that the stylus can be had for much cheaper than the whole m44-7-H.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewi...assified=false

How difficult is it to change these, and do I need any special tools? Just wondering if it's worth the money to buy the whole thing.

[funke]

Lol nevermind. I just pulled on it and it slid right out.

[Chelan]

Just curious, how long your needle lasted you? I'm trying to figure out if one of mine needs replacing. Mine is a Ortofon Concorde type, coming in close to almost 450 hrs probably. I've heard the M447's may last a bit longer though.

One downfall for me, this being my first time around using TTs, I don't think I cleaned the needle as often as I should have.

[funke]

I haven't changed them yet as these came with the turntables when I bought them. I noticed one of the needles was slightly bent and figured I should do something about it asap before I ruin my records.

[djproben]

I change them about every 9 months. That's probably more than I need to. But people who scratch a lot go through them about 2-3 times as often.

[mostapha]

You pull it out and shove the new one in.

It's like having sex with a girl who has a tampon in except easier, less gross, and less likely to get a post censored on a DJ forum.

Also, uhh…I think you're the first person in history to imply they even though about buying a new cartridge because their stylus was worn out. Congrats.

I mean…it's not like turntables are common nowadays, but come on………

[Chelan]

So is there such thing as breaking in a new needle? I've heard some Serato users talk about this, but I don't know how or what it refers to exactly.

[Patch]

You do have to break in a new needle. Only way to do it is to scratch. You definitely WILL notice more jumping with a new needle.

You only really need to change your needles when the sound is effected. keep a NEW needle handy to do an A-B comparison when you think your's might be worn and need replacing.

[mostapha]

You don't have to scratch to break them in. The actual needle part comes perfect. The springy arm that it sits on does need to wear in a bit, but just leave them sitting on stopped records overnight and they're fine.