Bare cartridge design, Sumiko Blackbird Low Output

Would you like to try some rare NOS Vintage MM/MI cartridges, you will be surprised how good they can be, Sumiko design with that unprotected cantilever is awful in my opinion and stylus profile is mediocre elliptical.  

I liked the cartridge, but I had an unfortunate experience with the blackbird.  It developed a bit of fuzzy noise that I thought might be dust.  I tried to gently clean it with a “controlled” puff of compressed air.  Really bad idea.  The exposed conductor wires are as thin or thinner than a human hair and one of the channels immediately stopped working.  Sent it to SoundSmith but Peter could not/would not repair it.  I found Andy and he did repair it, but no longer stock.  It is now a backup.
I’m not a fan of the bare design.

I am not a fan of Sumiko cartridges but in fairness I never heard the LO Blackbird. Bare designs can sound excellent. static develops on the LP surface and can attract any type of cartridge. There’s no particular problem with static. Most if not all van den Hul cartridges are open or bare and they can deliver excellent SQ. You just have to be a bit more careful in handling and setup. Like don’t blast it with compressed air.