I sent my 1987 Decca Super Gold (Paratrace) back for the second time in its life to the UK for a re-tip. I figured that it was due as 6 years had passed since the last replacement stylus. At a very conservative count of 2 three hour sessions a week, that is 1872 hours. John Wright emailed me to say it was barely worn and did I want to go ahead with the work! I did just because it took a lot of hassle getting it there. I clean every side with a Magic Eraser.