Installing a VPI stainless steel ring?

Yes, you put an LP on the platter first, and then you lower the ring clamp onto the platter. The clamp will sit on the outer edge of the LP, causing it to be pressed flat.

I'm not sure what the rubber belts are for. Probably a damping mechanism for the ring clamp. I can't understand why they are falling off. You are putting them into the grooves on the outer perimeter of the clamp, correct? One in place, they should not come off easily.

Tom

Yup, I know where they go, they came in place, but it seems that simply handling the ring means my fingers touch the outside, inevitably causing them to roll off. My guess is that they are simply too lose.

Noting that the center ring also has two rubber rings, maybe it's simply a cosmetic - a VPI trademark style type thing. If it's not cosmetic, maybe it has to do with static?

Thanks for the response.

I have the VPI ring, but I don't know what you mean by rubber rings. Mine is a stainless steel ring with black felt paced inside the ring at 3 points. The ring sets on the lp. You still need to use a center weight on the LP also.

I've always thought the rubber on the ring clamp was simply cosmetic. Mine have never come off in 3 years. If they seem loose, I'll bet VPI will send you free replacements.
I think also that it's ridiculous for anyone to state that the JMW arms are only so good so don't mate them with a good or expensive cartridge. I realize there are probably "better" arms out there and these guys are certainly welcome to their opinions but doesn't this sound a little like a self fulfilling statement. Mate any arm with a lower level cartridge and it won't sound as good as the "better" arm with the expensive cartridge. Would you run a race in hiking boots because you're supposedly not as good as the other runners who get to wear running shoes?

Call them, they'll definitely send you tighter rubber rings. Mine never have been too loose to stay on the ring's perimeter.

Best to place LP on platter, then ring on the LP. You have the best warp compensation next to the $1800 Air Tight machine.
If feeling lazy, you can safely place the ring on the platter and the LP on top, but you won't get the full benefit.
BTW, midbass punch is one of the benefits of the ring. Cheers,
Spencer