Clamp Usage/True Confession

[MuseChaser]

I purchased a VPI Scout new back in 2015 and really love it. It included a felt mat, a screw-on record clamp, and a thin rubber washer that fits over the spindle. I thought the included manual suggested placing the record on the mat, then the rubber washer over the spindle as a buffer between the center of the clamp and the label, and then screwing down the clamp until it contacted the outer part of the label and secured the record to the mat/platter.

Recently, noticing that one badly warped used record I had just picked up wasn't benefiting much from the clamp, I thought I'd try placing the rubber washer on the mat but underneath the record, allowing the clamp to apply force evenly around the label against the very slight raise in the center caused by the washer underneath the record. This did, indeed, help the record lie flatter and more securely around the outer entire circumference of the platter/mat.

I'll have to dig out the manual and see if I misread it and I've been doing it wrong all these years, or if the washer IS meant to be on top of the record and the practice of putting it under the record is ill-advised. Right now, it sure seems to couple the record to the mat BETTER if the washer is under the record.

Thoughts?

 

[ripblade]

Your second approach is what most manus recommend as it forces the edge of the record against the mat/platter, as you've discovered. That said, I don't believe there's any one right or wrong way as different approaches bring about different sonic results, some better than others.

 

[ghamilton]

Rubber washer goes under the record against the mat.

 

[mh1947]

Goes under the record unless you are also using a VPI periphery ring (see pic).

 

[mkane]

And having to remove a rubber washer after each play doesn't make much sense.

 

[Stereodiver]

I believe it’s called a “Reflex” clamp. Yes the washer goes under the record. As you’ve learned it helps to not only flatten them but to better secure the record to the platter.

 

[Pio1980]

I purchased a VPI Scout new back in 2015 and really love it. It included a felt mat, a screw-on record clamp, and a thin rubber washer that fits over the spindle. I thought the included manual suggested placing the record on the mat, then the rubber washer over the spindle as a buffer between the center of the clamp and the label, and then screwing down the clamp until it contacted the outer part of the label and secured the record to the mat/platter.

Recently, noticing that one badly warped used record I had just picked up wasn't benefiting much from the clamp, I thought I'd try placing the rubber washer on the mat but underneath the record, allowing the clamp to apply force evenly around the label against the very slight raise in the center caused by the washer underneath the record. This did, indeed, help the record lie flatter and more securely around the outer entire circumference of the platter/mat.

I'll have to dig out the manual and see if I misread it and I've been doing it wrong all these years, or if the washer IS meant to be on top of the record and the practice of putting it under the record is ill-advised. Right now, it sure seems to couple the record to the mat BETTER if the washer is under the record.

Thoughts?

That is how a reflex clamp works, and the proper arrangement to get the record flat on the platter to the edge.

 

[MRL_Audio]

Washer on the mat is the only way this works effectively. It does a good job with most warps. The Michell clamp works the same way.