Abstract: A wire matrix printhead having a plurality of wire styli wherein each stylus is capable of being actuated by an electromagnetically actuated hammer. Each of the wire styli has an input end which is impacted by the armature of an electromagnet and has an output end which is used to impact a recording medium for printout purposes. The impact or input ends of each of the wire styli are arranged or configured along the periphery of an ellipse while the output or printout ends of the wire styli are arranged in a straight line configuration. Each of the wire styli are of equal length to the others and they all reside in a straight line longitudinal elongation. The output or printing ends of each of the wire styli are held in a jeweled bearing which is capable of being retracted to expose the printing ends of the wire styli for grinding and polishing and other corrective actions. This permits the wire matrix printhead to have its life extended three to four times its normal usage period.