Feickert analogue protractor....Owners impressions

I'm finally out of that stage. As long as it sounds good I don't worry about it. I'm not one to use a 6 step, 15 minute process to clean a record either. It's simply not worth it to me. Ken's is the easiest protractor I've ever used. The MintLp certainly warrants further investigation but, unless, I can hear the difference it is a moot point.

Hi Again..

I just wanted to explain how I get my overhang with the Feickert. (there seems to be some confusion about needing additional tools or protractors, and multiple arc points)

1. Set up the Feickert measurement tool to measure your spindle to pivot distance. (put it in the correct hole for your length)

2. Now set the spindle to pivot distance to the arm mfg's exact length in mm using the tool..(different procedure for every turntable)

3. Now - Do not move the platter. While keeping the Feickert measuring tool exactly centered over the tonearm pivot point at the correct distance, TAPE the platter with masking tape so it cannot move at all. (After taping you can remove the tool or leave it there)

4. Now swing the arm over the platter. Adjust the cartridge so the stylus touches the only available arc at the exact mm setting from before. That is the perfect overhang for that distance. The sylus will only cross the arc at one exact point. (not several)

5. After the overhang is set, untape the platter and use the 2 grids on the Feickert to fine tune the offset angle by slightly twisting the cartridge clockwise or counter clockwise as needed.

6. Go back and double check the arc and 2 grids.
If all 3 are good you are done..

I have been getting good results this way..

Joe

Good read....

So, Out of all this great discussion. I am more confused than ever.

Is there a best way to set your arm and cartridge up to minimise groove distortions, generally sound the most musical and leave it resonably easy.

Or is a combination of eg Feikert and Wally/Mint specific to your tonearm the best way to go.

If you use the Mint, there is no need for the Feikert since the Mint is manufactured specifically for your table/arm combo. You set spindle-pivot distance with a ruler to get is approx. correct and then get effective arm length dead nuts on by adjusting overhang til it hits all points on the arc specifically made for your rig. Then you go to the two null points to set the alignment. Its mirrored and has a very fine alignment grid. With my Schroeder its not easy because there is only one bolt in the cart carrier, so when you loosen it to adjust alignment you can easily change the overhang and vice versa, but you can also easily see that you botched it on the Mint. With a more conventional headshell, I would think it would be pretty straightforward with the Mint. The only downside is that if you change arm or TT you need a new one. But as is usually the case, "one size fits all" usually doesn't, while a custom item from a quality supplier does the job very well. Disclaimer- I've never used the Wally or the Feikert, but I find the Mint much easier to use than the TTbasics mirror or the cardstock protractor supplied by Schroeder. No surprise, really; its 3 or 4x the price of the TT and infinitely more expensive than the cardstock one Frank Shroeder sent me.