Crooked Headshell...how to make cartridge aligned?

M

mykenytemare

Active Member
I recently purchased a new headshell from LPgear
(this one: http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/mer...roduct_Code=LPGHDSHL&Category_Code=HEADSHELLS )

and it appears that the whole headshell is crooked, so when I mount the cartridge (in this case a shure M97), I can not accurately align the cart.

Should I try bending the headshell back into shape or is there something I can use to shim the inside of the headshell so the cart lowers on the inside to balance out how low it is on the outer edge?

Stupid question, I know...but I want to do things right without potentially damaging the cart/stylus
 
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If I received a damaged headshell from a merchant, I'd send it back and get one that wasn't.
 
Do you mean that, looking at it from the front, the bottom is not parallel with the platter surface, or the sides are not perpendicular to the platter surface?

Or do you mean that, looking down from the top, in order to get the cartridge aligned, it sits 'crooked' against the sides of the headshell?

The former is bad. The latter is not.
 
While holding the body of the headshell in one hand, grab the headshell shaft with a pair of, say, channel-locks. Wrap a piece of shop towel around the shaft to prevent scratching. Then simply twist the shaft until it aligns properly.

I've done this many hundreds of times.

Fred
 
contacted them but will try that when I get home and see if it alleviates the problem... I thought by buying the "audiophile" headshell, that it wouldnt have any quirks or problems...I guess everything is made cheaply/with high tolerances today.

Thanks for the advice.
 
Just an FYI, I got that same headshell and really like it. But it cannot be used with the dust cover closed. The lift is arched too high. Just an FYI.
 
What Fred said. That pin boss in the back of the shell is just pressed in. You should be able to slightly rotate it so the pin is straight up, then all will go together properly. That is, unless there is an issue with the end of the arm?

Where is the old headshell? Does it go in straight? Look at the back of it and make the two match :)
 
I use this one:

http://www.turntableneedles.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10667

This Tonar headshell is shaped exactly like the original Technics that came with my Technics SL-D2, though the weight is slightly different.

attachment.php
 
OBTW - I have bought at least 5 or 6 headshells off the 'Bay - the universal ones for about $12 delivered. They were all straight and work fine for back-up cartridges and such. The only one I have that was crooked is an old Sansui shell that needs a bit of persuasion :)
 
mykenytemare said:
I recently purchased a new headshell from LPgear
(this one: http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/mer...roduct_Code=LPGHDSHL&Category_Code=HEADSHELLS )

and it appears that the whole headshell is crooked, so when I mount the cartridge (in this case a shure M97), I can not accurately align the cart.

Should I try bending the headshell back into shape or is there something I can use to shim the inside of the headshell so the cart lowers on the inside to balance out how low it is on the outer edge?

Stupid question, I know...but I want to do things right without potentially damaging the cart/stylus
Click to expand...

If the headshell came that way from LPGear, immediately return it and get a new one.
 
mykenytemare said:
I recently purchased a new headshell from LPgear
(this one: http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/mer...roduct_Code=LPGHDSHL&Category_Code=HEADSHELLS )

and it appears that the whole headshell is crooked, so when I mount the cartridge (in this case a shure M97), I can not accurately align the cart.

Should I try bending the headshell back into shape or is there something I can use to shim the inside of the headshell so the cart lowers on the inside to balance out how low it is on the outer edge?

Stupid question, I know...but I want to do things right without potentially damaging the cart/stylus
Click to expand...

By the way, that is a very nice headshell. On my Technics SL-1200 I replaced the stock shell with an SME headshell. The thing I love about the SME is that the finger lift (what an abomination!!) is removeable, and I ALWAYS remove a finger lift that is removeable. A finger lift should NEVER be used! ALWAYS ALWAYS use the cueing lever....that's why it's there.
 
I've got one of those crooked head shells too... An American DJ shell that I got off Amazon. I'll try straightening it with pliers, but I'd have to question whether the thing's any good to start with if the Manufacturer couldn't get it straight.
 
mykenytemare said:
I recently purchased a new headshell from LPgear
(this one: http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/mer...roduct_Code=LPGHDSHL&Category_Code=HEADSHELLS )

and it appears that the whole headshell is crooked, so when I mount the cartridge (in this case a shure M97), I can not accurately align the cart.

Should I try bending the headshell back into shape or is there something I can use to shim the inside of the headshell so the cart lowers on the inside to balance out how low it is on the outer edge?

Stupid question, I know...but I want to do things right without potentially damaging the cart/stylus
Click to expand...



Why on earth are you keeping a headshell that is damaged? Return it for a new one.
 
Nothing good about these headshells. Who keeps buying these cheap made in China knockoff headshells from Ebay, Amazon, LP Gear etc and they wonder why they are crooked and the weight isn't the same as the original factory OEM Japanese mfg headshells. They got what they payed for, low price for JUNK.
 
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