The state of the stylus after a disc has been played provides a clear Indication of the state of that disc. A modern ultra-lightweight pick-up can function properly only on a perfectly clean record, and it follows that a perfectly clean stylus is also essential. Records have to be maintained in a clean condition, and exactly the same thing is true of the pick-up stylus. Various types of stylus cleaners have been available for a considerable time, but they have not all been equally effective, and it was this consideration which led to the design and development of the Watts Stylus Cleaner, which is supplied as an integral part of the HI-FI Parastat but is also available separately.

The cleaning material is a very close pile nylon velvet ribbon, which will not shed on the stylus, and if the cleaner is properly used according to these Instructions, It cannot damage the stylus, but it will remove and collect any foreign matter from it.

Application

No attempt must be made to clean the stylus with the pick-up head in position on the arm. The shell must be removed and turned upside down so that the stylus is pointing upwards. It should then be stroked gently in a forward direction, I.e., from the back of the cartridge towards the front, with a slightly upward movement of the cleaner, from the base of the stylus towards the tip. This motion should be repeated at an angle of 45° forward from both sides. See the illustration above.

WARNING. On no account must the stylus be stroked in a backward direction, or laterally (from side to side) as this could easily cause damage to the delicate assembly.

After cleaning, the stylus should be examined through a X10 magnifier, such as a Jeweler’s eyeglass. It should look as shown in the photograph. If there is any sign of "goo” of the stylus cleaner just damped with Isopropyl alcohol. This liquid is freely available from chemists at small cost. Care must be taken not to use enough to allow any free fluid to run on to the stylus assembly, and special care must be taken with Decca heads to avoid moving the tie-back loop.

It may be necessary to repeat the process several times over a period of a quarter of an hour or so In order to soften and remove a hardened deposit. If success is not achieved by this means, the cartridge should be returned to the maker or Importer.

Under no circumstances should any tool other than the stylus cleaner be applied in an attempt to remove a stubborn deposit.

The stylus should be cleaned and inspected after each playing session, and Immediately after playing any disc which may have received applications of anti-static other than our New Formula Fluid used according to Instructions. If this routine is carried out from the time of starting with a clean stylus, no deposit will harden and build up, and the stylus will remain perfectly clean to the end of its useful life.

A new diamond stylus should be examined by the makers of the pick-up for signs of wear after approximately 2,000 sides have been played, and subsequently after each additional 1,000 sides.

Cleaning the Stylus Cleaner

After use the Stylus Cleaner should itself be cleaned by wiping with a clean lint less cloth, barely damped with distilled water or Isopropyl alcohol.