VPI Ring Clamp

Same thing happened to me a week ago. Went to play a record and found the band on the plinth. I contacted VPI and they're sending me a new band. Never even thought about the possibility of it damaging a cantilever, but I guess anything is possible.

I wonder how the thing could break considering the belt on the Scoutmaster has a lot more to do and seems fine.

Might have been exposed to a cleaning agent somewhere along the way. Most cleaning agents will neutralize the softening chemicals in vinyls and rubbers, causing them to become brittle and crack after several months. The drive belt would never have to be cleaned this way, but the ring clamp might have been. Dunno.

I have had my HRX for about 18 mnths now. Both rubber belt around the platter have cracked and broken. Also I have had one of the motor belts snap as well.

Have you guys noticed that if you look cafefully around there are cracks all around the rubber belts.

I think that this is just the rubber drying out and naturally craking, then breaking. Nothing to do with chemicals or anything.