How to Change the Needle on a Record Player

Beginner 20 min 14 steps 44712 views Rating: 4.6/5 Published: 2026-06-10

Change your stylus after 1,000 hours of play or every 3-5 years.. Remove the old stylus by sliding it out carefully.. Look up your stylus's model number to order a replacement.

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Steps

1

Change your stylus after 1,000 hours of play or every 3-5 years.

Step 1

Change your stylus after 1,000 hours of play or every 3-5 years.

2

Remove the old stylus by sliding it out carefully.

Step 2

Remove the old stylus by sliding it out carefully.

3

Look up your stylus's model number to order a replacement.

Step 3

Look up your stylus's model number to order a replacement.

4

Order a different type of stylus if you want to upgrade your sound.

Step 4

Order a different type of stylus if you want to upgrade your sound.

5

Slide the new stylus into the cartridge with the needle pointing down.

Step 5

Slide the new stylus into the cartridge with the needle pointing down.

6

Replace your cartridge if your old piece is damaged.

Step 6

Replace your cartridge if your old piece is damaged.

7

Purchase a replacement cartridge online by searching for your turntable.

Step 7

Purchase a replacement cartridge online by searching for your turntable.

8

Remove the stylus and disconnect the wires if necessary.

Step 8

Remove the stylus and disconnect the wires if necessary.

9

Use a small flathead screwdriver to remove the screws on top.

Step 9

Use a small flathead screwdriver to remove the screws on top.

10

Hold your new cartridge's screw slots under the headshell if it's screwed in.

Step 10

Hold your new cartridge's screw slots under the headshell if it's screwed in.

11

Align your cartridge so that the sides are flush with the headshell.

Step 11

Align your cartridge so that the sides are flush with the headshell.

12

Insert your new screws and attach the cartridge to the headshell.

Step 12

Insert your new screws and attach the cartridge to the headshell.

13

Reinsert the wires into the corresponding slots on the cartridge.

Step 13

Reinsert the wires into the corresponding slots on the cartridge.

14

Reattach your stylus to finish replacing the cartridge.

Step 14

Reattach your stylus to finish replacing the cartridge.

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