Bare cartridge design, Sumiko Blackbird Low Output

I have used the Blackbird. Nice cart for a warm system.

The Blackbird is a very detailed cartridge. Particularly the upper end. May
present itself as a little too hot.

A little extra care/awareness needs to be practiced when using it. Other than that, no big deal.

"What do I need to know about this design, and does this make the cart more or less susceptible to issues such as static etc?"

I don't think it would have been designed as is, if that were the case. Wouldn't make sense.

What do I need to know about this design

All you need to know about its "design" is that most likely you will destroy the cantilever accidentally before you stylus wears off. This mistake will cost a lot. Just look at this cartridge.


It looks like it was made to destroy it, really. Same with some VdH and Lyra cartridges.
Practically it is so inconvenient, you have to be extremely careful each time you unlock your tonearm.

On better cartridges a cantilever located under the cartridge body, not 100% safe too, but much better for safety reason.

Chakster, although they are a bit better protected than the naked LOMC types, several of our beloved MI and MM cartridges also place the cantilever in jeopardy. And yet I have never damaged one in handling. Also, I have owned two van den Hul LOMC cartridges without incident. Just because you don’t like the set up doesn’t mean other people might not be able to use it and enjoy it without breaking it. Whether to buy a blackbird is quite another issue. On that score I have nothing to say.

On the plus side, their "bare" build makes them very easy to set up for optimum performance. Enjoy the music

@lewm you're professional and your experience with different cartridge must be great. I have stupidly destroyed one cartridge and another one has been destroyed by a visitor, s**t happens. Personally i would never buy such cartridges, i am more comfortable with traditional design when a cantilever located under the cartridge body. 

@tooblue yes, this is probably a benefit, but they can be destroyed during alignment process, we often read comments how difficult to setup a cartridge (for some people). It's about experience.