Short answer
Most modern record player needles have a tip made of diamond, usually mounted on a small rod called a cantilever. Cheaper or older needles may use other hard materials such as sapphire, and very old players used steel needles that were replaced often.
What the tip is made of
Diamond is the standard for most good-quality styli because it is extremely hard and resists wear. You will see two broad types described:
- Natural diamond: a tiny piece of natural diamond shaped into a tip.
- Synthetic diamond: lab-made diamond, also used on many cartridges.
Both can work well. The shape and the quality of the polish matter at least as much as the label. For a rundown of shapes, see what a stylus is and does.
Sapphire (a synthetic corundum) has been used on some cheaper and older styli. It is hard, but it generally wears faster than diamond, so such tips are commonly seen on very inexpensive players. If your player came with a sapphire tip, it may be worth checking whether it is still suitable.
Cantilever materials
The cantilever is the thin rod that carries the tip. It needs to be light and stiff. Common materials include aluminum, and on higher-end models boron, beryllium or other materials. Some are hollow tubes. A lighter cantilever can follow the groove more easily, but it is also more delicate. If the cantilever is bent or the tip is loose, the stylus should be replaced rather than repaired at home.
Older needle materials
Early gramophones used steel needles, which were meant to be swapped frequently, sometimes after a single play, because they wore against the groove. Other materials have been used historically as well. Those needles were designed for the shellac records that were common at the time, which are harder than vinyl. If you play old records, see the guidance elsewhere on this site about the right stylus for 78 RPM discs. The earlier days of the phonograph are covered in the record player history timeline.
What are needles called
In technical terms the part is a stylus. “Needle” is the informal word. Some shops also call the replaceable assembly a “stylus” or “replacement needle”.
Stylus vs cartridge
The stylus is the tip (and its cantilever). The cartridge is the unit that holds it and creates the electrical signal. On some designs the stylus is a user-replaceable piece that clips into the cartridge, and on others the entire cartridge must be changed. The overall layout is shown in the parts of a record player.
How material affects lifespan
Harder, better-polished tips generally last longer and wear the record less. The actual life also depends on how clean the records are, how well the player is set up, and the tracking force. Specific hour ratings vary by manufacturer, so rely on the maker’s guidance rather than a general number.
Cleaning and care
Use a stylus brush made for the purpose and move gently along the length of the stylus, rather than scrubbing across it. Cleaning products and gels exist as well. Whatever you use, apply very little pressure, since the cantilever can bend easily.
What destroys vinyl records
Common causes of damage include a worn or damaged stylus, incorrect tracking force, dirt and dust, scratches from poor handling, heat that can warp discs, and unsuitable storage. Replacing the stylus when it is worn is one of the easier ways to protect your collection.