Alignment tool for SME V + Shelter

Nsgarch, there is no need to try to 'sell' the SME-V's design to me - I owned that arm for two years myself back in 1989-91. In '91 I replaced it with the Graham 1.5T which I found sonically superior and allowed precise and repeatable adjustments of all parameters (I now have the Phantom 2).

BTW, I'm not putting down the SME - it remains a very fine tonearm. However, none of what you say changes any of the facts regarding effective length that I mentioned above and how that will effect a fixed arc tractor. And yes, the problem is real, as demonstrated by the cartridges I mentioned above.

I think that's something the OP should be aware of, nothing more.

It is merely the difference between an arc-style protractor vs. the others that rely on a multi-step process. With an arc-style that is made for a specific effective length and P2S, there is no need to do the extra steps like checking overhang. These extra steps do introduce more error and the effects of those errors do add up. It is faster, and IME, much more accurate and I'm very grateful to those who introduced me to this type of protractor, and more importantly the Best Protractor. As many others have posted around here, Yip simply builds more precision into the Best Protractor.

The results that can be achieved with an arc-style, let alone the Mint, are much easier to realize and repeat. It is simply a better tool. Just compare the steps and movements you must make with the DB. Clunky is the word that comes to mind.

Dear all,Assuming that the protractor problem is solved what about an accurate aid to measure the spindle-pivot
distance (spindel-dimensions included)?

Regards,

That's the point! With an arc-style protractor made for the table/arm combo, there is no need to measure P2S. If you hit the arc, you have the dimensions set. So just finish up with the cart alignment.

Nandric, in all alignment procedures (except the SME) it's mandatory that a prescribed stylus-to-pivot distance (sometimes called 'Effective Arm Length') be maintained (thus necessitating slotted headshells ;-)

Further, a fixed arm length requires a specific (for that tonearm) spindle to pivot distance, and most tonearms come with an appropriate (though not always well crafted) template. If the one you got is sloppy, or non-existant, it's best to make your own out of a piece of acrylic. Slip one end over the spindle (with the platter removed) and, through a tiny hole in the template drilled the correct distance from the center of the spindle, scribe or draw an arc on the arm board. You can drill the arm mounting hole(s) anywhere along that arc.

Dan asserts that "With an arc-style protractor made for the table/arm combo, there is no need to measure P2S" (I think he meant cartridge/arm combo,) but unfortunately, this is true only if the arm mounting holes have been drilled, and the arm mounted with utmost accuracy, the correct distance from the spindle, per the tonearm manufacturer's specs. In reality, that is REALLY HARD TO DO without proper shop tools, drill press, etc.) If there's any doubt (and even if your TT came with the TA mounted) it's best to field-measure your particular equipment setup and provide the actual P2S dimension to the toolmaker prior to fabrication ;-)
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