Left Phonogrpah Turntable Spinning for 3 Days with needle on record

[slackmax]

Came home from visiting my Mom, and saw with horror the record player spinning away. The rest of the stereo was off, thank God.

But the record plater was spinning, with the needle in the 'runout groove', the last inch in the center of the record, where it makes a repetitive ca-chick, ca-chick, ca-chick'; sound.

I thought it might have damaged something, so I played a few records. Now I am wondering if it sounds any different from before. I may be imagining it, but I think the female voice  when loud sounds a bit tinny.  All the other sounds seem the same, such as  guitar, strings, brass, male voices.

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't notice any difference if I weren't aware of the needle being on the turning turntable 3 days in a row.    Now I'm obsessing about it.

Comments welcome.

[lemanfan]

Take a look at the stylus with a loupe for wear, or a USB microscope if you have it.

[lthenderson]

Since needles are a wear item, it is quite possible there is some wear effecting the sound. Back when I had a record player, I always had a couple needles as spares and if I was in this situation, I would just pop on a new one and see if there is a sound difference.

[slackmax]

I may have a spare stylus somewhere in the house.

They used to be $7 brand new, now sky's the limit, maybe, even though they're made in China, ha ha?   

I was hoping the smooth 'runout groove' would be non harmful to the needle. But then there is the repeating 'ca-chick' that sounds pretty abrasive, ugh.     

 

[slackmax]

I want to order a new stylus from a reputable online source. I have the number from the old stylus.  ADK  QM 30 MK III.

Any recommendations for an online site to order from?

One I have found so far, is LPGear.com.   Also BAKUSA.com. 

Thanks