Mounting a Jelco Tonearm

I'd post this question on Audio Karma or Vinyl Engine, where there are larger DIY communities. I haven't mounted a Jelco, but have thoroughly read up on the process as it applies to Thorens tables. This is the first I've read of any discrepancies with the published length specs. However, when it comes to their effective mass, it's a mystery, no one agrees.

Whether a cartridge sits in the middle of the hesdshell is irrelevant. What is important is that it can align to both null points on a two-point protractor, or in your case, align to the grid with the arm/spindle jig in position. Carts and stylus' come in various lengths, so focusing on the middle of the headshell will only lead you to the mad house.

Thanks for the info, I'll let my friend know this

Setting up a pickup arm may be a tricky process, but it's not exactly rocket science. helomech is correct - the goal is not to get the cartridge in the middle of the headshell. There's no reason a Dennesen Soundtracktor can't be used to set the pivot-to-spindle distance for the Jelco.

To really dial in the final alignment, I like a mirrored gauge, such as the Wallytractor.

Does the Jelco come with a drilling/marking template?

When I mounted my Dynavector 501 as per the specified pivot to spindle distance, the cartridge mounted so close to the back of the head shell, it made it difficult to connect the cartridge leads. I made a new arm board, moving the pivot to spindle distance ( I think it was about 5 mm). This allowed easier connection of the leads, and the cartridge overhang set up just as well on my Mint LP Best Tractor set up tool.

It sounds as good, or better than it ever did, so that leads me to believe pivot to spindle distance isn't as critical you may think, as long as overhang can be dialed in correctly. That's just my experience, someone else may have better information, and will set us both straight.

Regards,
Dan