That little brush scares the heck out of me!

Johnny Vinyl · Apr 16, 2013

My Ortofon 2M Black comes with a brush that's about 1/4" in diameter and appears to be really stiff, and it scares me to death using it. Does anyone have an alternative brush for a DRY application (recommended by Ortofon)?

Here's a pic of the brush:

Ortofon Carbon Stylus Brush [large view].jpg

I'm very careful, but I'm also afraid of damaging the stylus with this thing.

mep · Apr 16, 2013

Use Oznow and Stylast.

Johnny Vinyl · Apr 16, 2013

mep said:
Use Oznow and Stylast.

I use the Onzow as well....never tried Stylast....I was thinking of buying a very fine artists brush or make-up brush and then using the Onzow.

vinylphilemag · Apr 16, 2013

John72953 said:
My Ortofon 2M Black comes with a brush that's about 1/4" in diameter and appears to be really stiff, and it scares me to death using it. Does anyone have an alternative brush for a DRY application (recommended by Ortofon)?

Here's a pic of the brush:
View attachment 9252

I'm very careful, but I'm also afraid of damaging the stylus with this thing.

Don't worry, I've been using that sort of brush for YEARS with no problems. Just make sure that you brush only from back to front!

I use Stylast too.

Johnny Vinyl · Apr 16, 2013

vinylphilemag said:
Don't worry, I've been using that sort of brush for YEARS with no problems. Just make sure that you brush only from back to front!

I use Stylast too.

OK...I'll get used to it I guess. Back to front? OOPS!

mep · Apr 16, 2013

Oznow first, Stylus second.

rockitman · Apr 16, 2013

The cantilever is tougher than you think. Have no fear.

Peter Breuninger · Apr 16, 2013

I love to scare listeners and hence use a hard brush when the volume is up. Don't worry, the little diamond will not be bothered by the bristles. Been doing it for 25 years. If you think this is scary, Garth showed me that from time to time he uses the striker on a matchbook!

cjfrbw · Apr 16, 2013

Magic Eraser. Cut off a small piece, put it on your record or mat, drop the needle on it with your arm life then lift back off. Works almost always, but a brush once in a while is usually needed as well. You can also just leverage a piece to clean directly if you are careful.

I have one of the Ortofon brushes, too, and it also scares me, it is so dang stiff. The soft bristle part of a soft tooth brush works well and has a long handle.

flez007 · Apr 16, 2013

I can`t recall which of my previous carts came with a similar brush, never had an issue using it.

DaveyF · Apr 16, 2013

John, I wouldn't worry about that brush. It's the same type that Stylast was using for years with their stylus cleaning solution. I used it for years. Not the most effective, but IF you brush gently from back to front will certainly do no harm. BTW Peter, Garth must have gotten his matchbook idea from Linn. They came up with this years ago. At the time, the idea was pretty much discounted; although I'm not sure I would use this method today either.
The Onzow zerodust is the best I have found for stylus cleaning.

garylkoh · Apr 16, 2013

Don't worry about the brush. I've used that and a match striker for years. Now, I use Onzow or Magic Eraser. They both seem to work about the same. I don't like using Stylast.

treitz3 · Apr 17, 2013

I'm a user of Magic Eraser as well. No issues to report here.

Tom

Johnny Vinyl · Apr 17, 2013

Thanks guys. I think one of my issues is that it's awkward to hold ...wish it had a more user-friendly design to ensure a safe grip.

But, I won't worry about it and use it plus the Onzow.

Happy spinning!

Blam! · Apr 17, 2013

No problems with that brush here, I've been using that kind of brush for years. And also an AT 637.

mep · Apr 17, 2013

I am a firm believer in Stylast. I have been using it for many, many years and it has never caused a problem and my cartridges seem to have a very long life indeed.

vinylphilemag · Apr 17, 2013

mep said:
I am a firm believer in Stylast. I have been using it for many, many years and it has never caused a problem and my cartridges seem to have a very long life indeed.

Same here. Magic Erase and the like scare the willies out of me because it might leave behind traces of chemicals that shouldn't touch one's records...

JackD201 · Apr 17, 2013

I think I've had 6 or more Ortofon carts to date from different Concord and OM MMs as well as an A90. No problems with their brushes. All of the styli are fine.

rockitman · Apr 17, 2013

The brush will be a necessity at one time or another whether you use Onzow/magic eraser or not. Sometimes stuff gets caked on. I have even seen an onzow chunk get stuck on my A90. It's getting old and probably should be replaced.

cjfrbw · Apr 18, 2013

"onzow chunk". Now, there's a term only an audiophile can love (or understand). But I agree, sooner or later the brush of some sort will be necessary. A lot of analog gremlins can be scotched by clean needle.

That little brush scares the heck out of me!

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