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replacing tonearm question?

Hey,
I have a VPI HW-19 MK4 which I love dearly. My existing Sumiko FT-3 tonearm is 20 years old and on its last legs and I want to replace it with a Jelco 750 or 850. Both arms are 9". Would I have to have a new armboard made and drill new holes? Or could I use the existing armboard and hole and just drill new screws? I know I'd havr to factor in the tonearm radius and all the millimeter differences.

I've never done this before so please excuse my ignorance on this.
128x128simao
hdm
1,062 posts
 
I would plan on buying a new armboard as well if you are going this route. 

The FT3's mounting distance and bolt pattern are both different from the 9 inch Jelcos, which use a Linn mount and have a 214 pivot to spindle (as opposed to the 221 for the FT3).

I've owned and used both arms, as well as a Jelco SA-250, which shares geometry with the 9 inch 750D and newer 9" Jelcos. 
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,208 posts
 
the 9 inch Jelcos, which use a Linn mount and have a 214 pivot to spindle
@hdm , thanks for the clarification, 240mm pivot to spindle is for 10" jelcos!

simao's avatar
simao OP
1,831 posts
 
I just ordered a Jelco 850M (10") arm, set to arrive today. Forgive my naiveté, but could I simply spin my existing armboard around so the holes for the Sumiko are now towards the front of the tt, and drill new holes on the part of the board towards the rear?

Or is that going to compromise structural integrity of the board?

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,101 posts
 
Dear @simao  Ask directly to VPI.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,724 posts
 
Yes you can! No it won’t!
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