My first roundie, ctc 16

[Kiwick]

Originally Posted by ctc17

Why would the cartridge go bad just sitting?

Because it's based on Rochelle salt crystal piezoelectric elements, which are hygroscopic, and dissolve with dampness just like regular table salt

if the set or a spare cartridge was stored in a less than ideal environment such as an unheated garage or a basement, the Rochelle crystal has likely dissolved.

Some cartridges such as BSRs from the 70s had sealed crystal elements and endure damp storage better, others had poor or no sealing and dissolved even in a moderately damp home environment.

When the crystal has dissolved, the cartridge usually has some green goo around its terminals or traces of corrosion to the metal stylus cantilever.

later ceramic cartridges are totally immune from this problem.