[OldCoder]

I'm using an old Thorens 126 turntable, and I'm shopping for a new cartridge.

Unfortunately, the effective mass of the arm is so low (7.5 gm) that most of the newer cartridges would not be compliant enough to be used in it without creating resonance issues.

Can I simply add more mass to the headshell to balance it out?

Or would a Longhorn device on the headshell allow me to use a newer cart (and maybe gain some of the Longhorn stability)?

Any advice would be most welcome, I'm pretty confused.

[avahifi]

The Longhorn will definately help your tonearm cope.  I suggest a lower cost Grado cartridge as a starting point.

Frank

[gooberdude]

Hey Frank,

How much solder is to be used when making a Longhorn?

The one I just made weighs 2.6 gms: U channel weighs 1.0 + 1.6 of solder   .8 gms per side solder

Is this in the ballpark, should I go lower or higher?


For now, i just have a tiny glob of elephant snot holding it in place on the cartr face...hasn't budged in over a week.  I doubt i'm going to glue this on - unless you see a major improvement by doing so.

I was seriously considering a new cartr before the Longhorn, now my Gold just needs a new stylus.

The tonearm lift lever action is now really smoooooth.  the cartridge gently lays on the vinyl & always finds the first groove...no more skating a centimeter until it hits the 1st track.   I can't help but think this will improve stylus & suspension wear in the long run.

GD

[avahifi]

Your "Longhorn" bar seems about right, ours usually come out at about 3 grams.  Make sure the glue you use provides a solid, not flexible, bond from the cartridge and bar.  We also fill the remaining hollow space in the U-Channel bar with plasticlay (permoplast - never hardening) to damp resonances in the bar itself.

Frank

[gooberdude]

Thanks Frank,

good to know i'm close.  I will glue the LH on.  It was sooo nice having it just stuck on the face - though i can see how having the LH vibrate will muck things up for the stylus.


GD