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

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.

Dear @peterhaze476 : No, you only need the protractor, no need an overhang device.


Btw, @cleeds  :

""  Overhang is the distance between pivot and spindle, plus the amount that the stylus point actually "overhangs" beyond the spindle .."""

not exactly as you stated. Overhang is the distance between the center of the TT spindle and the stylus tip settle by the protractor. It's that small distance in between.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.

If you have a removable headshell and use the protractor to set up your cartridge perfectly and are happy with the alignment than here is a tip.Measure from the end of the headshell seat, including the rubber ring to the stylus tip. Record that measurement.Now if you want to install another cartridge in another headshell just duplicate that measurement and your golden.
Note: Cartridge must be aligned straight in the headshell for this to work, if your cartridge is skewed at an angle it won't give you the proper alignment.This is the principle behind the cartridge overhang gauge that was provided with so many TT's.

BillWojo

rauliruegas

Btw, @cleeds  :
 Overhang is the distance between the center of the TT spindle and the stylus tip settle by the protractor. It's that small distance in between.

Fair enough, although I think neither of us stated it perfectly clearly. ; |
Overhang is the small distance (about 16mm in the OP's case) that the stylus point "overhangs" the spindle. As I noted, the purpose of overhang (combined with offset) is to reduce tracking error.

Oddly, there are "underhung" arms, which while subject to greater tracking error, do minimize antiskating problems. Some users report excellent sound from them. I've never heard one, but I admit I'm curious.