OK, since this has happened twice, I decided to post. I bought an upgrade stylus for the Ed's red (Goldring, etc). The bonded tip separated from the shank on the first. with only a little use. After a bit of hassle, the vendor replaced the stylus. Hyperelliptical, maybe Jico, who knows? The second stylus separated, apparently while stored. Same deal, one time there, the next time, not. I e-mailed the vendor, but got no reply this time. Now, a couple years had passed, but the stylus was largely unused. I doubt it had 30 hours. Not killer pricey, but enough to PMO. So, buyer beware. Styus was only cleaned with a Onzow Zerodust gel or distilled water / 91% rubbing alcohol blend and a Discwasher cleaning brush. It tracked well, while it lasted.