ZeroDust still the best?

I have read here that some people do that. I tried it myself but now just dry brush after the ME.

I remember many years ago when I had my Linn, the suggestion for cleaning the stylus of a cartridge - suggested by Mr. Teifenwhatever, was to use the sandpaper on the matchbook that everyone used to light their cigarettes.

I tried the Magic Eraser with my Zerodust afterwards..
It worked great, and I can really hear the difference that a clean stylus makes.

I liked it so much that I made a wood cleaning station for my Nottingham using both the magic eraser and my zerodust. I mounted the Magic Eraser to a piece of rubber pencil eraser and use the same size piece for a cover.

I used the plastic tray from a stamp pad mounted on black painted wood, and mounted the ME & Zerodust in it with clear silicone seal. I put soft felt on the bottom, so it slides easily. It is just the right height for my arm.

All I do now is dip the stylus 4 times on the Magic Eraser and 2 times on the Zerodust after every side. It takes about 20 seconds and it's done.. It made a very real difference in the sound of my Zyx.. Here's a few pics..

Pic 1shows the station with covers on. Pic 2shows the covers off. Pic 3 shows the station in use..

Thanks to all for their advice and info in this thread..

Stringreen,

You're right. The ME is just a higher tech version of Linn's sandpaper. The concept is the same, abrasion, and they both work.

The ME's microfibers are more flexible than sandpaper, so they reach all stylus surfaces better. That makes the ME better for regular daily maintenance.

OTOH, I've received cartridges for inspection that the owner's claimed were "worn out", even though they were 2-3 years old or less. Of course they weren't, they just had gunked up styli. The ME rehabilitated most of them, but one or two seriously neglected cases needed something a little stronger. I tried a sliver of ultra fine grit sandpaper used for auto paint work polishing and that did the trick.

So, ME + brush or ZD for non-neglected styli, super fine sandpaper + brush or ZD for really gunked up ones. I've never seen a stylus that one of these couldn't bring back to life.

Joe55ag,
Great idea thanks for sharing.