N.O.S. is short for New Old Stock.
These are items that are coming from old stocks but are still new and unused and in general still originally packed.
As these may have been lying around in stores the packing may have some scratches and the items may have some discoloration but all N.O.S. items are getting an extra (visual) check before packing.
So all items do work normal without problems but you may see some aging visually and N.O.S. items are just old and NOT used or second hand!!!
With the record needles the protection foam inside the boxes may become porous but (if possible) the foam is replaced by brand new foam and the item is cleaned from parts of the porous foam if it would be on the item.
If you prefer to see an N.O.S. item before buying and a picture is missing then you can always ask for a picture.
When you don’t feel comfortable with a N.O.S. item like a stylus I can get about all TONAR N.O.S. items also as brand new directly from TONAR.
Those prices are higher as they are brand new (when still in program at TONAR) and come with regular VAT so in many cases you can choose between those 2 options (N.O.S. or brand new).
