Koetsu cartridge rebuild

I had mine done by van den Hul, and am happy with the results. I can't tell you how to get in touch with him, but it shouldn't be too difficult.

VDH rebuilds/retips all mc cartridges now, not just their own. The ad for this was in the back of Stereophile or TAS (or both), can't quite remember right now.

I believe Koetsu also will do it. They are back in the USA!

I've had a pair of Koetsu Rosewood Signatures either rebuilt by Koetsu ($1300 for a complete, like-new rebuild), or retipped (new stylus, some maintenance) several times by Benz Micro. That was about $800, and was also fine, but it was not a rebuild, and these things are getting old. Musical Surroundings imports both Koetsu and Benz, and can probably give you the best advice on the differences between rebuilding and retipping. Van den Hul, through Stanalog, theit distributor, also retips Koetsus, is somewhat cheaper $500? $600? and is supposed to be excellent, although I haven't yet tried them. My gut feeling is that if this is an original Koetsu from the '80s or early '90s, it probably could use a Koetsu rebuild even if that costs more.

Keep in mind that if you have your Koestu "retipped" by other than Koetsu itself, you may not be getting a Koestu back.By this I mean that depending on what needs be done you may end up with a hybrid(ex.-VanDenHul or Benz Micro generator in your Koetsu body).By the time most stylii show enuf wear to need replacement, the suspensions are also in a bad way.In every case that I am awares, the cartridge will be overhauled with the "re-tipping" services own parts.

Best,
Ken

I agree with Ken. Be aware too, that some re tip jobs consist of gluing a new cantilever/stylus assembly where the old one makes its exit out of the generator. This makes the business end new, but does not address the problems of suspension, and integrity of the original design. Not the same as a rebuild by Musical Surroundings, particularly if the Koetsu makes the trip back to Japan.

Hi Ucmgr,
I am Diver, from Italy; I've rebuild my Red Signature from a specialized factory (He works on Koetsu, Benz, VdH, Clearaudio); you can change the diamond with the new "Geiger Cut", but I think that the real problem is the Elasthomeric rubber; if it hasn't the normal phisical characteristics the sound has a low dynamic; now he has the possibility to have an equivalent el. rubber, with the same width; after is only a problem of settings inside the pick-up; having velvet sound or crystal sound is largely depending from the tightening of the wire.
Good luck!

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the fine input. Since starting the thread, with your help, I've been in contact with the importer for Koetsu and they have given me the option of either trading or rebuilding my older Rosewood.
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