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Has anyoe had problems using the mint LP tractor

I have just spent about 2 or 3 hours trying to reset my cartridge using my newly acquired Mint LP Tractor and quite frankly I have found the whole experience very frustrating. I have put it down to inexperience on my part and aging eyesight........... surely I can't be the only person who has experienced difficulties, although reading the various threads here on the tractor it's beginning to look like I am!!! I intend having another attempt in a day or so, in the meantime any advice from the 'professionals' would be welcome.
wes4390
wes4390 OP
17 posts
 
I had my second attempt a few days ago, took on board most of the comments and tips and had a better result. The greatest help was doing the whole thing in my brightly lit Kitchen and with the turntable on one of the kitchen units, which sits at 900mmm high (approx. 35 1/2")more at eyelevel when I sat in a chair. A great improvement over my first attempt. Practice does make perfect and I will go through the process again in a week or so.............oh and buy the way If you leave the wine until after your finished it also helps!!
jazzgene
145 posts
 
I got to it today. Took about 1 hour. The overhang and effective length was perfect on the Mint so the VPI jig is fine. I inspected with the 10x loupe and it was dead on.

The zenith was just so slightly off. You need super light touch. The overhang went off a hair after my attempt to correct the zenith. After several times of back and forth, I finally got it perfect.

The 10x loupe is necessary. I made a stand for it so I can look at the stylus from the front.

I think the VPI jig is correct. It is just that with Mint, you can actually get it perfect because you can see that you are looking at the lines dead on with the mirror surface. The VPI jig doesn't have anyway to really make sure you are looking exactly from the front.

The first thing I noticed in sound was records had a lot of less surface noise! And the tad of harshness on trumpets went away. There is more clearness in the upper mids and highs but not at the cost of less low end.

A great upgrade in sound in my opinion!
rgurney
279 posts
 
Given the availability and success of the Mint LP tractor, I wonder if that will put the kybosh on attempts to obtain the similar device from Wally, given the history of that notorious difficulty.
jazzgene
145 posts
 
I actually tried Wally before I knew about Mint. He called me right away and asked me to email him some measurements. I did and then never ever heard from him again...
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
Hi all,The best tractor I ever had but,as we all know:
'it depends...' In my case it depends from the sylus.
No trouble at all with my Ortofon Jubilee because I can
see the stylus clearly. Much more trouble with my Benz
Ruby because the stylus is smaller. I.e. I need more time
for the Benz.

Regards
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