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Where to find LP clamps?

Twenty years ago I remember there were clamps you could put over the spindle to secure/level a LP. I'm considering putting my turntable back into my system and I'm wondering where I can find these clamps if they're still available.

Anyone know where I might find these clamps and/or know if they really make a difference?

Thanks!
jurry
sean
6,231 posts
 
Jerry Raskin's Needle Doctor has a pretty good selection of record clamps at various prices. Take a look there and see if you can find something that will work for you. Sean
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bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
Of course they can make a big difference. Certain clamps work with certain spindles (threaded, unthreaded) & different clamps sound different on various rigs. You have to experiment (or perhaps query the experiences of others). Many analog vendors such as Acoustic Sounds, Music Direct, VPI, offer record clamps for various applications. The most expensive clamp won't necessarily work best; you must try them out yourself. The very heavy weighted clamps have been known to cause spindle/bearing wear on some turntables.
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
A good-quality, inexpensive clamp which can be used with just about any standard, non-threaded spindle is made by England's J.A. Michell. The black-colored version is a lightweight design made of non-resonant Delrin with a knurled-aluminum-knobbed collet mechanism for secure fit, and you should be able to get it from Michell dealers for around $45-$50. It made a definite sonic improvement on my 'table, most notably in image focus and transient articulation, and of course they help with less-than-perfectly-flat records. However, before clamping your records, make sure you're using a mostly flat-surfaced mat which effectively damps the platter and doesn't reflect energy back to the stylus/groove interface.
krell1's avatar
krell1
250 posts
 
I used to use the VPI Derlin clamp with the TNT I used to have. Upon getting back into analog with a MMF-7, I have been told that a "Ring-mat" without the clamp is the way to go. I would have to agree and haven't gone back to the clamp yet. I had intentions of using the clamp prior to buying another table to. Listen and enjoy the music :-)
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
...so, you want to find first clamp and than match the turntable??::))

Don't go for Sota or VPI clamp that realy can only make the record placement worse than it used to be since they're too heavy.

For a proper clamping you need to very slightly couple the record to the platter or mat (I would recommend a donut-shape mat to use with clamp)

I have Michell Gyro SE turntable with Michell clamp that gives me an extra flexibility either to firmly couple the record to the platter or just place it without locking that couples it slightly or not to use it at all. I all three different situations you should realize that the sound is different.
The first described situation I use on extra bright vinyls with poor mastering. If I lock the clamp my record will be firmly coupled to the platter and there will be a significant roll-off of high freequencies with even vast sacrifice of details. If I use no clamp I get airy presentation that is very suitable for small bands. In second case unlocked Michell clamp adds a tonal control that I often use for sophisticated instrumental and electronic music which is probably 70% of my entire collection.
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