Wow I just got the KAB strobe

10-01-08: Seasoned
...The speed may drift after the TT is switched on and has allowed to warm up and settle in. Let the TT run for about 15 min before adjustments are made.

You can test all these techniques by setting the speed as you have done and with no warm-up. Then, add the record, weights, stylus in groove; and let it warm up. Now check the speed again. Surprise!

Or you can just get a Technics or Denon quartz-governed direct drive turntable, which makes all these adjustments for record weight, clamp weight, and stylus drag on the fly.
:-)

"Where did you get it ?"

Many of the online audio retailers sell the KAB strobe. Here are two:

Elusive Disc
Acoustic Sounds
.

Unless you have perfect pitch, this is a non issue. As long as the speed is close, the result is fine. The KAB strobe is as good as any other.

0-01-08: Stringreen
Unless you have perfect pitch, this is a non issue. As long as the speed is close, the result is fine.

Well, it's also about tempo as well as pitch. Although there are plenty of variations in tempo for any given musical piece, there have been a few geniuses (especially in jazz) who seem to have an uncanny ability to set a tempo that draws you into the music. I'm thinking particularly of Count Basie, his guitarist Freddie Green (whose nickname was "Father Time"), Quincy Jones, and Oscar Peterson. There is even an album Basie and Peterson did together called "The Timekeepers."

With my direct drive turntables with pitch control, I found that--compared to the tempos Basie set--even a 1% variation made a significant difference in how engaging his band's presentation was.

The KAB strobe is as good as any other.

But it seems to frequently show up as a go-to tool among analog hardware reviewers at Stereophile and Abso!ute Sound.

And of course you can always get the strobe from the source, KAB USA.

Hey Stringreen I'm going to see Lynn Harrell with the Seattle Symphony Friday. 9th row orchestra level, dead center. Woo-hoo!

Hey Johnny53... Next time get off of the orchestra level. The sound bounces off of the floor and is adversly affected. In addition, you will see only the front of the orchestra and not "into" the orchestra. You will not see what the reeds, brass, or percussion is doing..not even if you strain your neck. Next time, get seats in the balcony = right in the front, with no overhang of the second balcony above you. If you look down into the orchestra, dead center, you will see the recording microphones in line with your seats. Never the less, I know even with your seats, you will enjoy Lynn. If he signs autographs in the lobby, say hi from Stan. As far as the exact speed is concerned... all strobes will give you a very good reading. If the table is off slightly you will not hear a great deal of difference..pitch will be recognizable first when a/b'ing, but tempo... no one can tell the difference between mm120 and mm121.