View Full Version : Custom-made solid-brass counterweight balance for Technics SL-1200 tonearm
Guys,
I have a beautifully machined solid-brass counterweight, designed to fit the armtube of the tonearm on a Technics SL-1200 or 1210:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/842/cv0j.jpg
It was produced in 2008 by John (Thrunobulaxx), who used to post here and make these types of bespoke accessories for turntables. Some discussion of it here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?201-Calling-all-SL-1200-1210-owners!/page12 and here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?201-Calling-all-SL-1200-1210-owners!/page35
It was used on my Technics arm (when I had it fitted with a KAB fluid damper), in order to balance out a heavy headshell, with a DL-103 fitted. It also had the added effect of improving sound quality, as it allowed the C/W to be positioned as closely as possible to the arm's pivot point, when balancing out the cartridge and heavy headshell, thereby reducing inertia.
So this sexy little thang is good for anyone using a DL-103 with a stock Technics arm, or indeed anyone using said arm who wants some more flexibility, in terms of balancing out heavier cartridges - or just simply to make their Technics tonearm look a whole lot nicer! :)
It is fixed to the armtube via the use of a small grub screw, which takes an Allen key. I also have a separate 'mass ring' (also made of solid-brass), which adds more weight, if required, by simply sliding onto the armtube, so that it butts up against the main counterweight balance. This is also included in the sale.
The price for this little hand-machined bespoke-made beauty? £25!
First person to respond here or PM me gets it! :cool:
Marco.
Oops - forgot to say that P&P is FREE to all UK mainland addresses. This is a unique opportunity to customize your Techy tonearm and improve sound quality at the same time :)
Go on, add a bit of bling to your tonearm! :D
Marco.
DarrenHW
21-02-2014, 15:08
I'll take it of your hands unless you think it will be to heavy for the FX1200?
Hi Darren,
Nice one, matey. It won't be too heavy for the FX1200, as it uses the same rear arm-stub and counterweight balance as the stock Technics arm, so the brass C/W will fit and work fine :)
I'll PM you, dude :cool:
Marco.
DarrenHW
21-02-2014, 15:32
Hi Darren,
It won't be too heavy for the FX1200, as it uses the same rear arm-stub and counterweight balance as the stock Technics arm, so the brass C/W will fit and work fine :)
Marco.
Cool, that's what I was hoping!
Sold to Darren! :thumbsup:
Marco.
I was actually trying to get a slightly lighter C/W for my FX-1200, as even with the Technics 3g headshell weight, my C/W is near the rear of the stub, so unless the DL-103 (8.5g) is much heavier than my MP-150 (6.5g).
If this is the same weight, it should look great, but if it's heavier you may have problems.
DarrenHW
21-02-2014, 18:38
I too was concerned by this, even with the stock C/W which is partly why I went with this, if it is too heavy I can drill holes in it to shed some weight and hopefully (with careful drilling) match it to the cart. Do you use the auxiliary weight? This helped me get the C/W much closer to the pivot with my current arm.
I have the additional weight, but not sure it's really going to help?
DarrenHW
21-02-2014, 19:19
Using the aux weight puts more weight at the back of the tonearm and allows the C/W to be placed closer to the pivot point, I think it's intended for use with carts under 13g, I may be wrong that's what's in my head and I can't check at the moment.
Guys, if you're using a heavy cartridge and/or headshell, then it automatically follows that you must use a heavy counterweight at the other end to balance it out.
Have a look here, as it illustrates the point rather nicely, although I think you'll agree that the brass counterweight I was selling is a rather more elegant solution than a piece of brass pipe! (Scroll down a bit to get to the tonearm mods):
http://home.comcast.net/~omaille/audio/SL-1200/1200Mods.html
I was actually trying to get a slightly lighter C/W for my FX-1200, as even with the Technics 3g headshell weight, my C/W is near the rear of the stub...
Kevin, why are you using the 3g headshell weight with your Nagaoka? It's unnecessary, as it doesn't need the extra mass. If you remove the headshell weight, you'll subsequently be able to move your C/W further forward, and thus nearer towards the arm's pivot point ;)
Marco.
Kevin, why are you using the 3g headshell weight with your Nagaoka? It's unnecessary, as it doesn't need the extra mass. If you remove the headshell weight, you'll subsequently be able to move your C/W further forward, and thus nearer towards the arm's pivot point ;)
Marco.
It's the only way I can get the VTF correct. The carbon arm is really light.
With the standard weight right up against the stop atthe pivot, I have less than 1g of VTF. Hence me posting on here about needing a lighter weight.
Your brass weight looks lovely, but I am not sure that the FX-1200 Darren has bought will be suitable for it. I know it will fit, but there is no heavy headshell option for these arms.
Oldpinkman
22-02-2014, 08:07
It's the only way I can get the VTF correct. The carbon arm is really light.
With the standard weight right up against the stop atthe pivot, I have less than 1g of VTF. Hence me posting on here about needing a lighter weight.
Your brass weight looks lovely, but I am not sure that the FX-1200 Darren has bought will be suitable for it. I know it will fit, but there is no heavy headshell option for these arms.
Hopefully it will be a slightly different arm soon. Emailed you. ;)
It's the only way I can get the VTF correct. The carbon arm is really light.
With the standard weight right up against the stop atthe pivot, I have less than 1g of VTF. Hence me posting on here about needing a lighter weight.
Your brass weight looks lovely, but I am not sure that the FX-1200 Darren has bought will be suitable for it. I know it will fit, but there is no heavy headshell option for these arms.
Ah, I getcha now... In terms of Darren's situation, he's bringing his T/T round for me to have a play, so I'll assess what the situation is then. There are a few options we can try, namely using the smaller brass 'mass ring' on its own (which weighs 20g), with the stock counterweight, should the main brass C/W be too heavy, and/or adding a heavy spacer at the headshell end, in order to compensate if necessary.
Thing is, if Darren decides to try some MC cartridges (which are usually heavier than MMs), and goes for something like a DL-103, which with enough added mass at the headshell end, the FX1200 should sound superb with, then the heavy brass C/W will become necessary. In essence, it's just a handy thing to have to use in certain situations :)
Marco.
Oldpinkman
22-02-2014, 08:35
Ah, I getcha now... In terms of Darren's situation, he's bringing his T/T round for me to have a play, so I'll assess what the situation is then. There are a few options we can try, namely using the smaller brass 'mass ring' on its own (which weighs 20g), with the stock counterweight, should the main brass C/W be too heavy, and/or adding a heavy spacer at the headshell end, in order to compensate if necessary.
Thing is, if Darren decides to try some MC cartridges (which are usually heavier than MMs), and goes for something like a DL-103, which with enough added mass at the headshell end, the FX1200 should sound superb with, then the heavy brass C/W will become necessary. In essence, it's just a handy thing to have to use in certain situations :)
Marco.
Not as a carbon fibre version if Arthur is to be believed :(
Sorry, Richard, you've lost me... Carbon fibre what? We're talking about counterweight balances, dude.
Marco.
Oldpinkman
22-02-2014, 10:22
Sorry, Richard, you've lost me... Carbon fibre what? We're talking about counterweight balances, dude.
Marco.
And you're talking about an FX1200. What's one of those dude? ;)
Indeed, although the post of mine that you quoted in your last response was simply to do with counterweights, so your reply underneath about carbon fibre was a little out of context, as it had nothing to do with the text you'd highlighted.
Anyway, it's immaterial. I know where you're coming from now :)
Marco.
Oldpinkman
22-02-2014, 13:30
Sorry Marco
Up and down with hedge trimming and not paying attention to details like this is a sales thread for said counterweight. Apologies - was focussed on trying to sort out FX1200 upgrades for Kevin and Darren :o
Not a problem, muchacho - I'm sure that they found your advice very helpful :)
Up and down with hedge trimming...
Is that a euphemism for some hanky-panky? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Not a problem, muchacho - I'm sure that they found your advice very helpful :)
Is that a euphemism for some hanky-panky? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Hmmm, excellent topiary skills my friend, is that a Brazilian I spy? :D
Aye, it's amazing what you can do with a Strimmer and a pair of tweezers! :lol:
Marco.
Oldpinkman
22-02-2014, 18:08
Mate
This is not your standard bush trim. This is chainsaw work! :eek:
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