[Wayner]

Once again, I'm reminded of the incredible resources at all of our disposal on the Audio by Van Alstine website. Today, I discovered a great article by Frank on taming tonearm energy. Of course, he thought of this back in 1982, 28 years ago, and while I sometimes I think I have one over on Frank regarding turntables, I am again humbled by the "Audio Basics" magazine that Frank used to publish.

Anyway, I have a track on an LP that simply no cartridge seemed to be able to track well. Perhaps it was recorded too loud, or some other unknown reason, and it is a piano piece (they are a real bitch) with lots of dynamic changes. It's the Windam Hill records label called An evening with Windam Hill Live (WH-1026) and they usually put out some pretty good stuff.

Anyway, after some searching, I found a technique described by Frank in the 1982 Audio Basics about putting a band of plasticlay around the tonearm at the front, and more importantly at the rear of the tonearm shaft.

I also put, sparingly, some clay around the cartridge mount. Needless to say, the stylus now plows thru the grooves like a snowplow today thru our wet slushy snow, with a vengeance.

Again, thank you Frank for making this information available for free to anyone that visits the website.

Wayner 

[Minn Mark]

Wayner,
Can you explain further? By adding clay you would also be adding weight, but you'll obviously re-balance the tonearm, before applying the correct stylus force. I get that. But overall the tonearm mass is now greater, so its momentum as exerted on the styuls will be altered?  Is this in effect changing the compliance of the arm?  Assuming this works it is indeed a cool fix, but could one risk damaging the stylus by over application of this force to the stylus while playing? A synergism of compliance between the arm proper and the stylus cantilever is what's required? Am I correct in this?  I found the Audio Basics references, but your additonal explanation is always appreciated.

Thanks,

Mark

[Wayner]

You are correct that this may change tonearm compliance and it is really meant for problematic tables. Plasticlay can be a friend or a foe if used incorrectly.

In the Audio Basics, as an example, clay was used to remove the rattle from a loose counterweight, or a shaking counterweight dial. I have some on my DIY turntable, called ARCom, as the counterweight had both of these problems and a small dot of plasticlay completely cured it. I also used plasticlay to affix an additional weight to the counterweight, as it was missing a part, allowing for use with heavier cartridges.

I have also experimented with clay on the shaft near the tonearm pivot, to remove some unwanted vibrations coming up the tonearm. There certainly is some trial and error when we start fooling around with the cartridge end of the tonearm. If you suspect the tonearm is transmitting unwanted vibrations and their harmonics, this method could help. However, care must be taken in proper placement and amount used as too much clay may steal energy away from the cartridge. I suggest very small dots to begin with in strategic locations.

In many cases, you may remove tomorrow, what you put on today, because the root cause was not found and incorrect applications may make matters worse.

Part of the problem lies with vintage tables, where parts have become worn or loose and plasticlay is certainly a great way to heal some of these problems.

And yes, any amount of clay you add to the arm will require rechecking and adjusting of VTF.

Wayner

[Wayner]

Sorry, Mark, I may not have answered all your questions. When ever you add weight to the tonearm, you in effect, change the compliance. That is why location, and amount of plasticlay used is critical. Less is more, in this case and can't be stressed enough. Obviously, if we put a half pound of clay on the arm, things are going to be very bad.

Wayner

[Minn Mark]

Agree. But I remember Frank saying that "Meatballs don't bounce", so maybe 1/2 a meatball sandwich? Always makes me more compliant !   

Thanks for the quick response. I'm not having a tonearm issue, but I think I have that Windham Hill album, so will have to hunt it up and see how it tracks on my TTs. Recently bought a "lot" of 40+ WH albums, and I think that's one of them ( a great eBay find at $40 for the lot).

Thanks again and have a great weekend.

M