Soundsmith Cartridge Rebuilding / Retipping

Thank you for your interest in our cartridge rebuilding services. You have arrived at the right place!

• New Users: You will need to register first ~ click here to start!

  Already registered and need to check status, add a new repair or reset password ? click here
   

Rebuilding options and pricing for cartridges (non-Soundsmith/non-B&O) ~ PLEASE CLICK THIS !

• For Soundsmith cartridges ~ click here
• For B&O cartridges manufactured by Soundsmith ~ click here
• For B&O (original) cartridges ~ click here

Additional Information links:

• Located in Turkey ? please click this and read
• VAT for non US customers
• Very Important Shipping Information
• Getting repair under warranty, click this
• Why Soundsmith ? click here
• FAQ section

Why? If you read the below, you will understand why. If you want to try someone else first for cartridge repairs, you are of course free to do so, BUT, do not send it to us after you are dissatisfied. We do not clean up after someone else has butchered your valuable cartridge. Our time is valuable, and is dedicated to our good customers who value what we do. Peter Ledermann has been designing his own cartridges and rebuilding cartridges of all brands for more than 45 years. He is widely considered a world class expert in the field; not to be confused with new-comers or those who recently believe they have suddenly developed these delicate surgical skills and deep knowledge of cartridge design and repair as it relates to rebuild performance. Prices for our work? Most fall into a range shown below, but some high end designs (Clearaudio, Koetsu and others) fall outside of that range. We can advise you up front regarding that, or provide an evaluation.

***** TURKEY has enacted a new law as of 2022 - THEY NOW DO NOT ALLOW CUSTOMER'S ITEMS TO BE REPAIRED OUTSIDE OF TURKEY AND BE RETURNED; TURKISH CUSTOMS STOPS ALL SUCH RETURNS from coming into the country. > Email us for any repair work if you live in Turkey. Peter@sound-smith.com

>> PLEASE BE AWARE IF WE SHIP TO YOU OUTSIDE OF THE USA, YOU WILL BE CHARGED VAT (Value Added Tax) in YOUR country for our work and shipping (by LAW) when receiving your repair back. Repairs (and shipping charges) ARE subject to VAT tax even though the item belongs to you!

>> DO NOT JUST WRAP IT IN TISSUE, BUBBLE WRAP, PAPER OR AN OLD PARKING TICKET AND THINK IT WILL ARRIVE INTACT. STYLI AND CANTILEVERS ARE VERY VERY DELICATE. SECURE YOUR CARTRIDGE SAFELY WITH TIGHTENED SCREWS IN A PROPER CARTRIDGE BOX. NOT SECURING IT PROPERLY FOR SHIPMENT WILL:

1) VOID ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES

2) CAUSE MORE DAMAGE & HIDE WHAT THE SOME OF PROBLEMS WERE !!

>> WRITE YOUR RA NUMBER ON THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR SHIPPING BOX AND ON A NOTE INSIDE THE BOX SO YOUR CARTRIDGE DOES NOT WIND UP ON OUR  "OWNER NOT KNOWN" SHELF.

SHIP TO: SOUNDSMITH ~ 8 JOHN WALSH BLVD. ~ SUITE 417 ~ PEEKSKILL, NY 10566

For cartridges that are not built by Soundsmith, please read the information below.

For ALL OTHER non-Soundsmith cartridges, please read this:

"What do i do if I need more than ONE cartridge rebuilt?".....Please register (once only) and obtain a NEW RA number for each unit to be sent to us. You may send more then one cartridge in your shipping box, but please put at LEAST ONE RA number on the box, and all of them inside the box with your details. If your cartridge has been here before, our form allows you to reference a PAST RA #, or type them in where you can with your details, so we can look up and know the history.


"Can my cartridge be rebuilt, even if the cantilever is snapped off?" The answer is generally yes; if the damage has not caused internal problems to the cartridge. Peter inspects for all types of internal damage on the cartridges that come in for service. You also have the option of paying for an initial evaluation, and if the cartridge is repairable, the fee can be applied to the work.   Certain cartridges require considerably more time and effort to rebuild properly - high end Clearaudio, Koetsu, and others. If you select one of the price ranges shown for these types or others and it does NOT apply to your make and model, we will contact you before starting the repair when its turn comes up in queue. Please be aware that Peter's vast 40 plus years of experience allows him to perform internal repair work that no one else in the world can do.
 


We offer basic service for retipping services, as well as replacement of the complete cantilever/stylus if required. Although more difficult and more costly, retipping only is by far the preferred method of restoration where the cantilever is intact and the diamond has been lost or worn. For these, we perform "retipping only" with our low mass Nude Contact Line styli, our Optimized Contour Nude Contact Line design or one of many other diamond designs we stock.


"Retipping Only" takes more time and is more difficult to do properly, but often has near zero risk, except for hollow PIPE type boron or sapphire cantilevers.  The cost for this service ranges from $350 - $650, depending on the cartridge model and how much other work is needed.

If your cartridge is missing the cantilever and stylus, or it is badly damaged, we can usually replace the complete cantilever & stylus assembly. We perform this repair at many levels, using different materials (Aluminum, Ruby, Boron) with costs ranging from $200 to $650, depending on cartridge model, how much damage there is and other work that may be needed. Many cartridges, even lower cost ones, can be improved in performance through our repair work and upgrades as performance can be limited by the original cantilever/stylus combination.

Click here for pricing and your cantilever and stylus options.

Throughout the restoration process, we will keep you informed with recommendations for the best possible path for restoring your treasured cartridge. Our customers appreciate us knowing far more than just the “mechanics” of cartridge repair you might find elsewhere - after all, we have been engineering and manufacturing cartridges for a long time. It is an art form requiring many disciplines, and one that we have been engaged in for over 40 years.

Common questions regarding these services:

Q: My cantilever is bent or snapped off - can I still get my cartridge rebuilt?


A: Yes, unless the internal suspension or coils are damaged from the abuse to the cantilever, we can usually rebuild a cartridge that has this kind of damage. We inspect it fully to insure that there has been no internal damage prior to the rebuild.
 

Q: 
I don’t understand your pricing policy – Do repairs always fall into your shown ranges, and can I just get an evaluation, and can I get it done quickly?

A: Yes, we can evaluate what is needed, and if it cartridge is repairable. The fee is $75, and can be applied towards repair of that cartridge. The time to perform evaluations is often 1-4 weeks work. Certain cartridges require considerable time and far more effort to rebuild properly - high end Clearaudio, Koetsu, and others. If you select one of the ranges shown for these types or others and it does NOT apply to your make and model, we will contact you before starting the repair.

Q: 
What is a "cantilever?"

A: A cantilever is the tiny arm that holds the diamond tip or stylus; it's best properties are achieved when it is lightweight, strong, and extremely resistant to bending. Materials most often used are Aluminum alloy tubing, Ruby, Sapphire, Boron, and others.

Q: What kind of cantilever materials does Soundsmith offer?

A: Aluminum, Sapphire, Ruby, and Boron 
 


Q: Can I get just the tip replaced, and not the entire Cantilever?

A: Yes, we can re-tip only, which is by far the preferred method, but it does not cost less. In fact, it is much more difficult and time consuming to perform a "retip only." The benefits, however, are many – one being extremely low risk of damage to the cartridge, as well as best chance for identical sound to when the cartridge was new. Typical costs for “retipping only” are between $350 and $650 depending on cartridge design. We will "retip" only if specifically requested, if you do request a "retip" only, and we are unable to, for any reason, we will contact you.
 


Q: Do you work on cartridge types and models not listed here?
 


A: Absolutely yes - we have rebuilt many cartridges that are not listed, including some antique and unusual types. We have rebuilt classic cartridges from the 40’s and 50's as well. We do charge for an evaluation, but do NOT charge for any amount of time and materials on a "pre-authorized for rebuild" cartridge that we find, after inspection and work, cannot be rebuilt. We take that loss for time and materials.  
 


Q: What happens if the cartridge is damaged during the rebuilding process?
 


A. It must be understood that there is always some risk when performing any type of microscopic repair. Although we have an extremely high success rate, some low level of risk is unavoidable. Unlike most all companies, we do NOT charge for our time and materials if the cartridge is unrepairable.
 


Q: How long does it take to get the work done?
 


A: That depends on the number of customers who sent in work ahead of yours. Our services are in high demand world-wide. Repair queue is typically in the 3 - 12 week range. Each and every customer gets the full measure of my 40 plus years of experience and skills.
 


Q: Do you have a warranty for your workmanship and materials?
 


A: Yes, ONE FULL YEAR to the original owner.
 


Q: Can I pay with PayPal?

A: Our PAYPAL account name for finished Cartridge Repairs or finished evaluations is: Cartrepair@sound-smith.com  ~ But when cartridges are done, you will be sent a PAYPAL LINK where you can directly pay EVEN if you don't have a PayPal account - you can use any major credit card. You are also welcome to call us at 914 739 2885. It is not necessary to pay for cartridge repairs or evaluations in advance.

Instructions on 
how to send in your cartridge for service.