If you had a Benz cartridge would you let someone

Tony&Selectric, What we call 'retip' is usually exchange of the whole cantilever/ stylus combo. The old one is pulled out the new one glued instead. That is btw how supplier provide manufacturer and reapair services: cantilever with stylus already fitted. To glue a new stylus in the original cantilever seems to be much more difficult job. So this 'real' retip should be also more expensive. But for Soundsmith in Salectric case would be necessary to have Gyger S styli for the retip. Otherwise 'the same sound' is not probable.

Nandric, from what I understand SS offers either a new stylus and cantilever, or really a new "retip" - replacing the stylus on the existing cantilever. And yes it is more expensive than the first option. I think they recommend this as an option for carts that are already outfitted with boron or similar cantilevers.

Salectric, you answered my question exactly as it was intended. Thanks.

Stringreen,
Paradise Valley.
No thanks, you're system isn't very interesting compared to ours.

Must be cheap thrills, eh' Judy?

As I said earlier, my Benz received a "real" retipping from SS meaning they removed the original tip from the cantilever and attached a new one. This costs more than getting a replacement cantilever and tip since there is more work required. As to whether the stylus is identical to the original, I don't know. I suspect it isn't but it is evidently close enough judging from the sound quality. In any event, the way I looked at was the SS price was low enough compared to getting a whole new cartridge that I was willing to take the risk. I have no regrets about doing so.