dirty contact

woodsyi · « **on:** 15 Jul 2004, 07:33 pm »

I just received a used TT set up. They arrived disassembled. I am in the process of putting them together. I noticed that the cartridge leads coming out of the tone arm are dull and grimy. The 4 prongs on the cartridge itself are also grimy. What is the best thing to clean the contact?

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Jul 2004, 08:09 pm »

I could be wrong but I would think that alcohol should work, with a q-tip or something. Of course you'll want to make sure no cotton is left behind. Maybe spray on a teensy-weensy bit of Craig's pro-gold on when they are clean.

woodsyi · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Jul 2004, 08:28 pm »

I was thinking alcohol and q-tip as well, but I wasn't sure if the wood body (Koetsu rosedwood signature) would be adversely affected. It's a shame that high end product like this is in such a state but that is the nature of "bargains". The cartridge was just "thrown" in to the deal. So, I can't complain.

nathanm · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Jul 2004, 09:20 pm »

Try a search for DVV's gasoline\vaseline special sauce recipe.

djbnh · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Jul 2004, 10:09 pm »

Could you first treat with DeOxit from Caig? The Caig webstie reports:

Quote

DeoxIT Power Booster is a fast-acting deoxidizing solution that cleans, preserves, lubricates and improves conductivity on all metal connectors and contacts. Use as a general treatment for connectors, contacts and other metal surfaces, and on non-critical metal surfaces with severe oxidation and corrosion. If the metal surface is discolored, it is severe. DeoxIT dissolves the contamination and protects the surface. For reference, DeoxIT has approximately 20% cleaning action.

DeoxIT Power Booster, #DN5S-6N

NEW . . . DeoxIT Power Booster DN5 Spray, 5%, 150 ml, non-flammable, non-drip and safe on plastics!

Part No. DN5S-6N
(NSN 6850-01-519-5548)

DN5S-6N replaces the earlier non-flammable version of DeoxIT Power Booster (which used 141b carrier solvent), with a new environmentally-safe solvent.
Price: $17.95

Caig also has other methods of applying DeOxit, if you don't want to do the spray thing, such as a little squeeze tube for $5.95 + shipping.

After cleaning you could go with the Caig ProGold, or Walker SST (careful applying the Walker - a caveat, I'd check with Walker before applying to a phono cartridge, to see if they approve that use of SST).

michael w · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Jul 2004, 11:21 pm »

Quote from: woodsyi

I was thinking alcohol and q-tip as well, but I wasn't sure if the wood body (Koetsu rosedwood signature) would be adversely affected. It's a shame that high end product like this is in such a state but that is the nature of "bargains". The cartridge was just "thrown" in to the deal. So, I can't complain.

Nice freebie !

If your hands don't shake too much and are careful with your Q-tips, use a minimal amount of alcohol and just clean the pins, you should be able to keep the alcohol off the wooden body.

Older wooden Koetsu bodies are quite prized amongst Koetsu connoisseurs.

JoshK · « **Reply #6 on:** 16 Jul 2004, 03:24 pm »

The alcohol won't permanently hurt the wooden body if a little was the get on it so long as it was wiped off afterwards. It may have a tendency to dry out the wood if left on for a long time.

woodsyi · « **Reply #7 on:** 16 Jul 2004, 06:00 pm »

Thanks every one for the information,

I ordered the Caig tube sampler for 9.99. I will try the de-ox stuff since prongs are definitely cloudy with oxidation. In the mean time, I think I will just take time with Q-tip and alcohol and try to get the grime off as much as I can.