Micro Seiki MB-18

A separate question for Roy. The weight on my MB-15 tone arm just slides onto the arm. The adjustment for needle pressure does not seem to be doing anything as the whole thing is just loose on the rear of the tone arm. Even when I take it off and turn the adjusting dial attached to the weight I can't see any mechanical change or distance between the dial and the weight when I turn the setting dial. Can you explain how this is supposed to work? There is a small hole in the weight itself through which you can see the plastic sleeve that it sets on. The weight slides freely about a half inch on that sleeve.

Hi Guitarman,
Look up the Manual for the model MB-14 on the Vinyl Engine website.

In it, I see that one slides the weight onto the arm until neutral balance is achieved.
Mark that Zero point by turning just the numbered ring to Zero.
Then grab the rear of the weight assembly ?? (can't remember) and crank it until you get your desired tracking force readout on the numbered ring.

There is no set-screw to lock that weight in place, but back when we sold these, I don't remember the tracking weight adjustment being a hassle for anyone (33 years ago, sorry).

I recommend a Platter Matter record mat for it or perhaps an AudioQuest one.

Best regards,
Roy

I owned an MB-14, and Royj's description of setting tracking force is spot on. However, based on what I observed then and know from far greater experience now, set the antiskating at no more than half of the indicated value. In fact, if you have the time and the ear, start at zero antiskating and work your way up in small increments. Micro Seiki, along with nost of the turntable manufacturers of the day, grossly over-estimated the amount of antiskate needed. The MB-18 should sound great when tweaked for modern sensibilities.

David

Good advice, David, thanks.
I did not realize the anti-skating was that far off on that arm.

Best,
Roy