Stylus skipping at beginning of record

Do not exceed the recommended tracking force. 

The recommended tracking force is always a good starting place, but it does not take into account the mass of the tonearm. A heavy tonearm is going to work the cartridge suspension more than a light tonearm. 

OP, you never answered if it was only after you adjusted the anti-skate that the issue developed, if so then retrack your steps and you will find the issue there. Enjoy the music

Tooblue,

The technician had set it at zero antiskate. Of course the problem was acute. 
I then experimented with various settings.  When I increased the antiskating  level it didn’t skip at all but the sound was dull. I then lowered the antiskating a bit and the sound was the best I heard it. The needle still skipped but not as much.

I just increased the tracking force and that seems to have improved things further.

@audphile1

You were right!!

This post reminds me of shooting at things in the dark without night vision, just hit and miss.