Tone Arm Gram Gauge

ds100h · by **ds100h** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 4:48 am

Some tone arms play horizontial records and some play vertical records. Which brand/model in your opinion is best and why?

Do you need a different one for each application horizontal/vertical? VG sells a Neuses, any opinions on this one and would it be able to measure both horizontal/vertical tone arm pressure?

Best
Darrell

Rob-NYC · by **Rob-NYC** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 6:36 am

Darrell, I've used the Neuses (10g) since 1985. It is accurate for any application (H-V). It is a good investment if you are doing a number of machines, especially if they are going to be heavily used or have had tonearm mods done. The difference between 2 and 4 grams may not be felt by your fingers, but it make a big difference in record-stylus wear when a lot of play is expected.

Rob

ds100h · by **ds100h** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 7:07 am

Rob

Thank you for the advice. Do you look up in a manual what each different model should be set to or do you go by a "rule of thumb" figure?

I know Ron had mentioned 5 to 4.5 grams I think and favoring the lighter figure.

Best
Darrell

Psychman · by **Psychman** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 2:12 pm

Tracking weights will vary based on the machine and the cartridge and stylus combo, so the correct force needs to be determined.

Ive often wondered how those "vertical" play mechanisms work, and whether they are any better or worse on records than a "regular" turntable setup

Rob-NYC · by **Rob-NYC** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 2:29 pm

ds100h wrote:Rob Thank you for the advice. Do you look up in a manual what each different model should be set to or do you go by a "rule of thumb" figure?
I know Ron had mentioned 5 to 4.5 grams I think and favoring the lighter figure.
Best
Darrell

I stick to a 2gm in jukes since these records will be getting a lot of use. I have records in some machines that have been in service well over 20 years. they have gotten thousands of plays and decent needles and correct tracking have meant that they still have good high frequency response and no torn-up distortion.

the main reason for using higher tracking is simply due to the fact that the retro cart for the seeburgs does not balance unless weights are ground down and (this will annoy Ron

) that stupid damping. The original 1966 service data for the yellow styli stated 2-2½gm. Some of the cheaper models retained the old style trip and tonearm springs and for those they spec'ed higher tracking weight. If properly setup, there is no need to go higher than 3gm on those either.

For tonearms get the 0-10 gram scale.

Rob

by **Ron Rich** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 4:50 pm

Rob,
No--none of the "cheaper models" ( the 100 selects) "retained the mechanical reject switch" ! All phonos built by Seeburg from 1967 on, had the same magnetic switch. The difference was in the suspension package for the mechanism ( see individual model "I & O Manuals"). The 100's retained the older, style suspension, thus the needed a "stiffer" needle shank (green, or tan, "wedge style" needles), and different ( red) springs. Needle pressure for the original "blackhead' cart was 7 to 8 grams, with the "redhead", it was reduced to 4.5-5.5, and different springs were used.
As for cutting the counter weight when using a 345-03x replacement cart--I'm too lazy, to do all that work----I just add weight to the top of the new cartridge.
Ron Rich