How To Replace a Turntable Needle

Determine the make and model of your turntable and needle cartridge (which may or may not have its own number). Find the appropriate replacement parts by taking this information to an electronics store or using it to order online.

If you’re replacing just the needle, remove the old one by pulling it out by hand. If it’s difficult to remove, use needle-nose pliers.

Read the instructions for the new needle. If it came with none, simply insert it into the cartridge by holding the top of the needle and very gently easing it in.

If you’re replacing your entire cartridge, the new one should come with instructions. If it doesn’t, simply use a small screwdriver and pliers to remove the old cartridge from your cartridge carrier or head shell.

Remove the needle from your new cartridge before installing it by gently pulling it out with your fingers. Make sure your hands are clean and free of oil.

Install your new cartridge using the screws and nuts provided. Don’t fasten the nuts securely at this point—you want a bit of room to make adjustments.

Use needle-nose pliers or tweezers to slide the head shell wires over the pins on the cartridge. The wires should be different colors, and should match the colors of the pins—red to red, blue to blue.

Insert the needle back into the cartridge by holding the top of the needle and very gently easing it in.

If you removed the head shell or cartridge carrier, reinstall it at this time.

Next, align the needle. If your turntable came with an overhang gauge, align the needle tip with the markings on the gauge. If it came with a paper protractor, follow the instructions, which usually involve aligning the needle and cartridge marks on the protractor.

Once you’ve achieved proper alignment, tighten the nuts securing your cartridge to the cartridge carrier. Do not over-tighten them, or you could crack or distort the cartridge.

Begin to set the tracking force. First, set your table’s anti-skating dial—usually a small knob next to the arm—to zero. Place the cueing lever in the down position. Adjust the counterweight on the arm so that your arm is parallel with the platter of your turntable.

If your turntable has a built-in tracking force scale, adjust the dial to the appropriate tracking force.

If your turntable doesn’t have a built-in scale, you’ll need to use a stylus force gauge to measure and set your turntable’s tracking force. The stylus force gauge will have instructions on proper use.

Set the anti-skating knob to the same setting as your tracking force.

If your tone arm has provisions for setting the arm height and azimuth, do so. Arm height should be set so that the arm is parallel to the platter’s surface when a record is playing. Azimuth should be set so that your needle is perpendicular to the record.

Load up your favorite record, sit back, and enjoy the smooth sound from your new needle!