Ortofon Scratch Stylus

As implied by the name, the Scratch is intended especially for the disciplines of scratch and back-cueing. Like the QBert, DJs had a say in designing this cartridge so it would match the needs of dance floor kings. It is made of a fluorescent neon-red material with the intention it becoming highly apparent in spotlight and luminous in ultraviolet light. Maximum scratch performance guaranteed!

The Scratch Series
We found the name "Scratch" to the suitable for a new Orofon cartridge, doing this kind of job. The stylus unit as well as the cartridge body are made from a florescent neon-red material, which makes the complete cartridge highly apparent in spot light and luminous in ultra-violet light. The Scratch cartridge is available in either the Ortofon OM version for mounting in standard head shells, or in the integrated Ortofon Concorde design for direct mounting in the tonearms with standard sockets. Bother versions can also be supplied in a convenient Box Set, with two extra stylus units, for practical protection and transportation.

Ortofon DJ Cartridge and Stylus Maintenance
Our recommendation when adjusting anti-skating for the Ortofon Scratch cartridge, will only be about 2 gram, at the 4 gram recommended tracking force, because of the abnormal behavior of the tonearm when backcuing. To obtain optimal stylus performance, remove dust from the stylus regularly by using the small brush supplied with the cartridge by guiding the brush gently forwards in the direction of the diamond tip. From time to time clean the gold plated contact points on the Concorde cartridge or head shell with a small amount of propyl alcohol. Also the contacts inside the tonearm - now and then - will need this type for cleaning to avoid dust or sticky material to result in annoying disconnection. We do not recommend the use of propyl alcohol for cleansing the record surface, as resolved material will stick to the diamond tip causing deteriorated groove contact. As a consequence, the Ortofon warranty might not be valid when playing on wet record surfaces. Just clean the record with a fine brush or dustless cloth before playback. Among the technical qualities - referred to by the DJ's after testing - was the Sound, the very high output of 7mVolt and the very clear picture of the stylus position on the record surface. Having tested the new Scratch cartridge one American top DJ claimed: "I couldn't get it to jump out of the groove".

Details on the Ortofon Scratch
For DJs that require increased tracking ability, the Scratch is up to the task. Featuring a reinforced rubber suspension, DJs need not worry about compromising sound quality and stylus life when working with higher tracking forces. With solid bass reproduction and extended highs, the Scratch is great for any style, providing energetic, in-your-face sound.


Ortofon Scratch Technical Data

Replacement stylus unit Scratch


Ortofon DJ Cartridge Brochure PDF

Ortofon DJ FAQs