The VN-3G SD is an alternative needle (replacement needle) that performs identical to the original needle that is not the manufacturer made for use with SHURE record cartridges. This replacement needle is a "synthetic diamond needle" type. This is a generic model that plays a regular range of sound ranges, with a standard conical shape. General life is about 200 hours. The successor to the SH.192-VN3G VN-3G GRY (4951586270805).