Bare cartridge design, Sumiko Blackbird Low Output

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.

I have used the Blackbird. Nice cart for a warm system.

The Blackbird is a very detailed cartridge. Particularly the upper end. May
present itself as a little too hot.

A little extra care/awareness needs to be practiced when using it. Other than that, no big deal.

"What do I need to know about this design, and does this make the cart more or less susceptible to issues such as static etc?"

I don't think it would have been designed as is, if that were the case. Wouldn't make sense.

What do I need to know about this design

All you need to know about its "design" is that most likely you will destroy the cantilever accidentally before you stylus wears off. This mistake will cost a lot. Just look at this cartridge.


It looks like it was made to destroy it, really. Same with some VdH and Lyra cartridges.
Practically it is so inconvenient, you have to be extremely careful each time you unlock your tonearm.

On better cartridges a cantilever located under the cartridge body, not 100% safe too, but much better for safety reason.

Chakster, although they are a bit better protected than the naked LOMC types, several of our beloved MI and MM cartridges also place the cantilever in jeopardy. And yet I have never damaged one in handling. Also, I have owned two van den Hul LOMC cartridges without incident. Just because you don’t like the set up doesn’t mean other people might not be able to use it and enjoy it without breaking it. Whether to buy a blackbird is quite another issue. On that score I have nothing to say.