how to tell if a styus is worn out?

[silvertone]

are there tell tale signs.....do the highs go first? or low freqs? or does the output die out? Assume one is not familiar with a particular cart's sound signature but has to guess as to whether the sound is 'right' or if the stylus is in need of replacement. Any tips........

[Alec124c41]

A microscope helps. Look for flat spots on the sides of the tip.

Cheers,
Alec