Grado Green3 Replacement Stylus (Elliptical)

The Grado Green3 Replacement Stylus is the original stylus assembly for the Prestige Green3 – an elliptical diamond in a complete stylus unit that you swap yourself.

The rest of the cartridge stays on the tonearm. That's the big advantage of Grado's design: when the stylus wears out, you don't have to buy a whole new system.

Why replace the stylus?

A diamond stylus wears down slowly and without warning. What suffers first are treble resolution and channel separation – and eventually the grooves of your records. A timely replacement is therefore the cheapest insurance for a record collection that's usually worth far more than the cartridge.

What you get

Grado's original stylus assembly, not a copy. Fit it, align it, check the tracking force – done. Afterwards, the Green3 sounds as open and lively as it did on day one.

Who is this stylus for?

For owners of a Grado Prestige Green3. Straight talk: it doesn't fit other brands, nor Grado's own Timbre or Lineage systems. If you're not sure which system is mounted on your tonearm, send us a photo – that's quicker than any chart.

Our verdict

Unspectacular, but exactly right. Replacing the stylus instead of the whole cartridge is the most sensible expense you can make in everyday vinyl use.

Technical data

• Type: Replacement stylus assembly
• Fits: Grado Prestige Green3
• Stylus profile: Elliptical diamond
• Replacement: User-replaceable, no tools required
• Manufacturing: Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY
• What's included: 1 replacement stylus assembly

Frequently asked questions

When do I need to replace the stylus?

As a rule of thumb, elliptical diamonds last around 800 to 1000 playing hours. More telling than the number are the signs: the treble gets harsher, the soundstage collapses, sibilants distort. At the latest, that's when a replacement is due – wait too long and you risk damaging your records.

Can I replace the stylus myself?

Yes. The stylus is pulled off the cartridge body and the new one clicked on, without tools and without dismounting the cartridge. Afterwards, all you need to check is tracking force and anti-skate. If you'd rather have someone show you: give us a call.

Why buy the Grado stylus from HD Zürisee?

Because surprisingly many copies are sold online as originals. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil you get the original stylus through the official Swiss distributor – and on request, our technician handles the replacement and alignment for you.

Goes well with

The right cartridges, the correct phono preamp, and everything for vinyl.