Do I need an overhang gauge, in addition to a protractor to position cartridge correctly?


Hello, I know I should use a good protractor to correctly align my cartridge, but I'm wonder also how I make sure that my overhang is spot on. The manual says for my Yamaha Yp-b2 turntable, that I should have an overhang of 16mm between the styli point and the spindle center. Thanks. 
peterhaze476
Also, I got the turntable used, and I don’t have the original overhang gauge. If so, are they universal, or would I need to buy a specific type overhang gauge for my yamaha yp-b2 turntable. 
Thanks
Overhang is the distance from the tip of the stylus to the vertical axis the tone arm pivots on. 

Yamaha manual is saying when pointed straight at the spindle the stylus should be 16mm. So that's your overhang gauge right there.

Overhang is only part of alignment. Usually what people call a protractor is just a template with grid lines that fits over the spindle and lays on the platter. There's free ones you can download and print and use ordinary paper. They work fine. You just make sure to use the right one. To do that measure from the spindle to the same arm pivot point. 

The MoFi GeoDisk is a fancy version of the same thing. This is what I use, because it works great and makes it super easy. Step by step instructions are written right on it. The steps are the same regardless of what cartridge/arm/table or protractor you buy. So take a minute to read them, save yourself some money. https://www.turntablelab.com/products/mobile-fidelity-geo-disc-phono-cartridge-alignment-tool

I have a tip that will save you some stress and make this even easier. Lay a Q-tip crosswise under the cartridge. This can save your cartridge from a fumble.

millercarbon
Overhang is the distance from the tip of the stylus to the vertical axis the tone arm pivots on.
That’s completely mistaken. What you’ve described is the pickup arm’s effective length.

Overhang is the distance between pivot and spindle, plus the amount that the stylus point actually "overhangs" beyond the spindle. The use of an overhung arm with a phono cartridge offset angle reduces tracking error and those two angles are the basis for the two null points. Your protractor will set overhang as it sets those null points.

An overhang of around 16mm is common for a 9-inch arm.