The Mike New Bearing Base Plate

[JazzBones]

Sometime back I had an interesting email from Dr Michael Krug in Vienna. He gets an excellent result from his 12XX by retaining the stock platter but augmenting it with the latest Isoplatmat (SDS) which fits within the lip of the stock platter and then the Herbies mat on top. Now I know that others have tried the Isoplatmat and found it wanting, hollow sounding was one comment, but the new one at a diam of 285mm is slightly thicker than the old one and is a perfect fit within the lipping of the 12XX platter. It lays flatter than a punctured wide rimmed tyre. Price is GBP87.50 plus 5.50 for P & P within the UK (www.sounddeadsteel.com I have the original at a diam of 288mm but not in use. The new one, which I have bought, most certainly takes out any ringing of the stock platter and as I have a Herbies mat in my library of mats I can say that it works, thanks for the info Dr Mike . Of course experimentation with other mats, cork etc, can easily be tried out if you have the will and mind to do so

Now this is what I am using at the mo atop the stock platter. First the SDS 285mm, then the Rubato copper and finally the Acromat. These three layers have been bonded together (but not to the main platter), using the the old petroleum jelly method, into one constrained layer sub platter. Note please: this is not recommended if you are starting from scratch as buying these three units in one hit is costly and you are likely (?) to be better served by spending a bit more and go for the MN platter or Funk acrylic one. I had all the above mats etc in possession over a period of time so that the expenditure had been spread over the past years and could be used for experimental purposes, geddit?

I wanted this idea of a main plus a substantial sub platter, taking my thinking from the separate inner and outer platter of Linn, Thorens, AR etc. I do certainly hear clearer instrumentation coming to me than when I used only the Copper Rubato and Acromat bonding. The swishing of Joe Morello's and Shelly Manne's brushs on the snare drum, the kick of the bass drum, is clear, so very clear. The deep, fat sonority of Ray Brown's walking double base, the sweet, lyrical and celebral playing of the alto sax from Paul Desmond, the sheer musicality and deep tones of Mulligan's and PepperAdam's baritone saxs, the percussive playing of Dave Brubeck's piano playing to the lilting touch of Bill Evans. As for trumpet, Chet Baker, Miles, Arturo Sandaval, Dizzie's, goose bumps man! As for voices, Ella's through to Krall's and for the fellas, Jimmy Rushing, Billy Eckstein through to Mel Torme are so much more enjoyable that I forget to drink the red vino within finger reach let alone top up the glass And as for acoustic and electrical guitar, how the hell did that guy get into my house!

Phew, as Dino said 'wheres the couch?'

[CableMaker1]

I think the Illinois one is West Chester - i.e two seperate words so I am going for the county in up state New York . Although IME some of our American cousins seem to have a fairly scanty knowledge of geography so you should consider the possibility that Mike is not entirely sure himself as to exactly where he is

Macca has it right - i dont know where i live.
But Mike New knows. So according to the packing slip that came with the BBP, I live in NY.

Which for the next couple of days, I am in the destructive path of hurricane Irene. So I have to get ready to bear down and go shopping before it swings by for a visit starting tomorrow. I will sleep better knowing that the added weight of BBP will keep my TT secure during the storm.


There are also West Chester Cities in Ohio and Pensylvania.

It seems that this thread has turned from the installation of the Mike New BBP to a geography lesson to where I live. I get the sense that Marco is really into geography, wants to stop by my place, or both.

I have to go now, but keep the questions (or laughs) coming. There may be a delayed response because of the circumstances. For the questions I did not get a chance to answer, I will answer later.

Reporting from Westchester -

Mike

[keiths]

Best of luck - hope Irene gives you a miss.

[Marco]

It seems that this thread has turned from the installation of the Mike New BBP to a geography lesson to where I live. I get the sense that Marco is really into geography, wants to stop by my place, or both.

Nope, Marco is simply interested in all members providing understandable information on their account profiles, as per the requirements of the site, particularly such as that pertaining to real names and geographical locations, which if you'd answered my question before, without me having to ask four times to obtain the information (in the end provided via third parties), wouldn't have caused this hoo-hah!

Stay safe from hurricane Irene and enjoy your Techy

Marco.

[CableMaker1]

Nope, Marco is simply interested in all members providing understandable information on their account profiles, as per the requirements of the site, particularly such as that pertaining to real names and geographical locations, which if you'd answered my question before, without me having to ask four times to obtain the information (in the end provided via third parties), wouldn't have caused this hoo-hah!

Now now Marco, you were speaking too fast for me to understand. I also sometimes have a hard time understanding peoples accents.

I still sense you have a vested interest in geographical locations, so I did this just for you. Lets see if anyone can find Westchester.

[Marco]

Lol.... The only Chester I know, is the one down the road from me in England, which is where I thought you might originally be referring to (the west part), of course!!

Marco.

[CableMaker1]

What actually is the work needed on the base plate when using it with the early installation of the MN bearing on its own? I have the latter and I am considering the former? Were you referring to the Technics stock bearing that others (not MN) are still using as the housing for their upgrades, viz: TimeStep, Vantage Audio and so on? In otherwords if you want the MN base plate it can ONLY be used with the MN bearing and for the moment and forseable future none other!?

Hello Ron.

The Bearing Base Plate was meant to be used with the Mike New Bearing. It does not matter whether you are using an earlier or later verison of his bearing.

The Bearing Base Plate was not meant to be used with the standard Technics stock bearing. The stock bearing is keyed, which the chassis has a keyhole to prevent the bearing to be placed any other way. The keyhole was meant to add stability to the bearing, preventing or restricting movement (which the 3 bearing posts would prevent) while the TT is in use.

The Bearing Base Plate does not have this keyhole in case anyone is thinking of using the stock bearing or a modified version of the stock bearing with the BBP. It will not work as-is.

You can see the keyhole on the chassis where the stock bearing would be keyed. It is right next to the screw tap in the lower right corner.

[CableMaker1]

Lol.... The only Chester I know, is the one down the road from me in England, which is where I thought you might originally be referring to (the west part), of course!!

Marco.

I am a little further west from the Chester location you are refering to, which involves going over a slightly oversized "pond".

I am sure if I were from that area, you would be stopping by for a visit. It would have given us the chance to have a TT showdown.

[Marco]

Hey, Mikey, if Westchester wasn't famous before, it sure as hell is now!!

Anyway, if you're ever in the land of the sheep, over that wee puddle you're referring to, you'd be very welcome to cruise by for a sesh!

Marco.

[CableMaker1]

Hey, Mikey, if Westchester wasn't famous before, it sure as hell is now!!

Anyway, if you're ever in the land of the sheep, over that wee puddle you're referring to, you'd be very welcome to cruise by for a sesh!

Marco.

Hee hee. How close are you to London? My sis was there earlier this month.

Today may be my last day of communication for some time pending on the severity of the storm. The arm of the hurricane is over us which has bought some rain earlier today. Full brunt is expected tomorrow. NYC subways are closed. There is talk of shutting down the electrical grid in downtown NYC. The elevator in my building has been shut down and although it is not official, I do live in a flood zone where I expect to be surrounded by water. I lost my car earlier this year due to a flooding by rain.