Feickert Protractor - anyone use one?

Hi all,

I have been using my Feickert for a while and could not imagine getting a more accurate tool for S to P distance and overhang for my Triplanar.

However - I read the threads about the MintLP arc protractor and the accuracy that it has inherent to its design.
So I ordered one and received it last week.

I got ready for cartridge adjusting mode - plenty of time available with no distractions on a nice calm morning and I prepared to do battle..you know the drill..

I had the greatest surprise ever that morning..

The Feickert setup followed the MintLP arc exactly.
Yes, exactly - even with high magnification.
It was as perfect as I could ever get it.
I put my tools away and listened to music instead, very happy with Chris Feickert and his protractor.

So it boils down to: both of these tools are excellent with the Mintlp being less expensive. But -do not take anything away from the capabilities of the Feickert - In my case it is exactly as accurate as the MintLP and still my favorite analog tool.

Enjoy the music.
Joe

I think what is being misread here or just plainly ignored is the fact that a mirrored protractor such as the Wally or Mint will take your set up to a higher level regardless what you think a Feikert will do.

Just because your stylus traces the arc doesn't mean your set up is finished.

There is a host of testimonials through out the threads I mentioned above including others on this topic that explain this.

My experience using the superb Phantom jigs including the Feikert protractor repeatedly, clearly demonstrated to me after using the Mint that my cantilevers alignment was always off.

Incredible as it may seem to some, FINE tuning the alignment of your cantilever has a sonic benefit, one that is readily heard.

This is why mirrored protractors such as the Wally and Mint exist produced by people that know a few things about analogue play back.
Try all you want with the Feikert it will not get you there.
As Doug points out above and as I know ,the reference lines are too thick and the disk is not built on a mirror. Clearly this limits what the Feikert can actually do.

However some may not be so inclined to fuss with such minuscule adjustments to the cantilevers position and close is good enough ,that's fine.

fwiw, my experience is identical to Joe55ag. I had the Feickert and bought a Mint....my set-up was dead-on.

If I had to choose one to begin with, I would choose the Mint due to the inherent accuracy and lower price. However, the Feickert can be a great general purpose tool for those who want some flexibility in their tools.

I own the Feickert and find it both useful and easy to use.
FWIW, I also own the "Turntable Basics" phono cartidge alignment tool (mirrored). I also own both the "TT Basics" and the Shure stylus force gauges.

For folks like me, with a combined investment in table/tweaks, cartridge/stylus and phono stage of $2000, the "TT Basics" alignment tool plus their little seesaw stylus force gauge for $35 total are the only tools needed. I do find the Shure gauge easier to use...but no more accurate.

Looks like this thread has gone silent but I'll bring up one point that has not been raised. I use a Koetsu cartridge where the stylus tip is BURIED under the cartridge body. For this reason - I didn't order the Mint. The only way I can align the cartridge is to see the stylus tip fall into a divot (light at a very steep angle, using magnification). I'm not sure if the Feickert has this (most likely not) but a divot can be properly created even in metal.