van den Hul Colibri - Reconditioning

Instead of starting a second thread on the same subject as your previous thread, it is a better idea to "bump" your original thread to the top of the list, by posting some new bit of information there. 

Thanks you guys, just very nervous about this whole process.  Today I read a good study that indicates that average stylus lifetime is about where I am at in hours, so I will def need a rebuild/retip.  I hope the process is straightforward, I will contact J McGurk and follow his/VPI's instructions.  Was just wondering if others have met with success.  I will gladly pay the $$$ for the rebuild, I just adore this cartridge, the Colibri is very special.  Thanks for your generous help

I sent a VDH back for a retip a couple of years or so ago. It took a loooong time but it was worth it.

I think you ought to sit back with a shot of whiskey and relax.  This is not life and death.  Because you read something in a "paper" does not necessarily mean it applies to your particular cartridge, even assuming that you have kept meticulous track of the hours of use, which most of us don't do very well. Do you perceive any degradation of sound quality?  By all accounts I have ever read, vdH is a kindly person who does take his time.  If and when you submit your cartridge for inspection and possible repair, be prepared to be without it for many months.  This means you will want to have on hand another cartridge that you can enjoy in the meanwhile.

John McGurk is first class. My Crimson XGW Strad went back for 200 hr. adjustment six months ago. The turn-around time was about two months. There is no reason to worry, particularly if you have your original box with the mounting hardware. It is always a good idea to buy a bag of mounting screws and washers which I always keep on hand.

I sent my Crimson back to VDH for a retip last month. AJ had it replaced within a week but then it took another week to get the invoice (which was fine since I bought a Hana Red to get me by :)). I think it took about 3 weeks from door-to-door and back.