Digital force gauge query

I measured my Mystic Mat against the platform of the gauge with a ruler and found them to be essentially the same height. So, to my way of thinking, these eseentially cancel each other out, i.e. placing the gauge directly on the platter is the equivalent of where the stylus would otherwise meet the mat. In order to allow for the height of a record, I removed the mat, placed an average weight record directly on the platter and placed the gauge on the record, measuring for the optimum VTF for my cartridge, which is 1.8g. Seems a logical solution.

Just imagine an arm at a 45 degree angle (a very thick mat!) and you can easily see how the measurement would be lower.

"Just imagine an arm at a 45 degree angle (a very thick mat!) and you can easily see how the measurement would be lower"
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Your example would cause an increase in VTF, not a lower value.