Re-tipping blues...

kroslos

Well-Known Member
Feb 7, 2015
38
0
238
Naperivlle, IL
I need to vent....

I have two of my Koetsu's in for re-tipping. My Onyx Platinum Diamond was sent to one UK location and I sent my Rosewood Platinum Signature to a domestic (US) location. Why is it that the repair service takes so incredibly long?? Worse, why can these providers give us a better turn-around estimate on the repair timing before we make a decision on where to send our cartridges in for repair? The UK provider originally advised 4-6 weeks repair time - they've had it for over 5-months! The US provider originally advised 6-8 weeks and they've had it for three and, so far, have not provided any updates.

To make matters worse, when I send emails to the UK provider I receive "canned" responses (most of the time) and BS "string-along" responses.

At $350 - $550 a pop, you'd think we'd receive better customer service. Additionally, if "demand" is what's driving the repair cycle time, then you'd think more companies/individuals would get into the cartridge repairing market.

Frustrating...
 

Bruce B

WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Apr 25, 2010
7,006
512
1,740
Snohomish, WA
www.pugetsoundstudios.com
I didn't think they retipped Koetsu carts. I thought they rebuilt the whole thing, or is that when you bust the cantilever (Christian!).
 

JackD201

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
12,308
1,425
1,820
Manila, Philippines
Call me crazy, a purist or both but I would not go to a retipping service not even Soundsmith whose in-house carts I respect very very highly. I'd send the cart back to the manufacturer for a rebuild. Unfortunately that will cost 10x what the retippers would charge.
 

BruceD

VIP/Donor
Dec 13, 2013
1,509
576
540
I need to vent....

I have two of my Koetsu's in for re-tipping.
To make matters worse, when I send emails to the UK provider I receive "canned" responses (most of the time) and BS "string-along" responses.

.

I hope the UK provider is not Expert Stylus---They stuffed two Koetsu Retips for me a while back

K -Singapore was/is the official factory service --they don't retip , but replace the whole shebang

Good Luck

BruceD
 

rockitman

Member Sponsor
Sep 20, 2011
7,097
412
1,210
Northern NY
Call me crazy, a purist or both but I would not go to a retipping service not even Soundsmith whose in-house carts I respect very very highly. I'd send the cart back to the manufacturer for a rebuild. Unfortunately that will cost 10x what the retippers would charge.

If you have a Koetsu stone body, the only place for a rebuild is Koetsu, period. A retip by anyone else is no longer a Koetsu..rather a Frankenstein cart.
 

JackD201

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
12,308
1,425
1,820
Manila, Philippines
If you have a Koetsu stone body, the only place for a rebuild is Koetsu, period. A retip by anyone else is no longer a Koetsu..rather a Frankenstein cart.

My sentiments exactly.
 

kroslos

Well-Known Member
Feb 7, 2015
38
0
238
Naperivlle, IL
Let's get real here...

Koetsu's approach is "if I can't get $7K for a re-tip/rebuild, then it's not worth our effort". In my HO, that BS! While I'd absolutely prefer the manufacturer to replace the stylus, they, obviously, have other commercial/$'s objective. Trust me, I've tested this route; but for $7K, I think not...

I hate to say this, but we're all getting ripped off in our desires to find the "absolute". It's the bane of our existence, and will be the ultimate death of our passion.
 

rockitman

Member Sponsor
Sep 20, 2011
7,097
412
1,210
Northern NY
Let's get real here...

Koetsu's approach is "if I can't get $7K for a re-tip/rebuild, then it's not worth our effort". In my HO, that BS! While I'd absolutely prefer the manufacturer to replace the stylus, they, obviously, have other commercial/$'s objective. Trust me, I've tested this route; but for $7K, I think not...

I hate to say this, but we're all getting ripped off in our desires to find the "absolute". It's the bane of our existence, and will be the ultimate death of our passion.
$4500 for a rebuild on their top tier carts. You are complaining about a $350 re-tip taking too long ? Lol
 

JackD201

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
12,308
1,425
1,820
Manila, Philippines
Let's get real here...

Koetsu's approach is "if I can't get $7K for a re-tip/rebuild, then it's not worth our effort". In my HO, that BS! While I'd absolutely prefer the manufacturer to replace the stylus, they, obviously, have other commercial/$'s objective. Trust me, I've tested this route; but for $7K, I think not...

I hate to say this, but we're all getting ripped off in our desires to find the "absolute". It's the bane of our existence, and will be the ultimate death of our passion.

Hi Kroslos. I feel your pain. Seriously and sincerely. One thing I noticed though is one cart is a diamond cantilever Onyx correct? That is a one piece cantilever/stylus. A rebuild is a must there. As for the RSG yes it can be re-tipped but sadly I have two friends that went out of house and regretted it.

Hopefully in your case the carts were not victims of accidental damage and that the re-tips are due because of extended use. If the latter is the case then you could always look at it as saving and not over spending.
 

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