Ear tuning tracking force

[ZAZ13]

I don't have a tracking force gauge so when I get my TT set up I will need to tune it by ear. If there is too much bass, not enough treble, I decrease the force and vice-versa, right?

 

[Brett a]

Someone might be able to actually answer your question, but I feel compelled to ask why not get a tracking force gauge? You can get a decent digital one for less than $15 delivered.

The damage you risk to your cartridge/cantilever/stylus by winging it may not be worth the guessing.

...

 

[John James]

Check Harbour Freight.

 

[ZAZ13]

I am not completely guessing, my counter balance is incremented.

 

[ZAZ13]

Can you recommend a specific scale, since if it is the wrong height it wont work at all.

 

[hakaplan]

I don't have a tracking force gauge so when I get my TT set up I will need to tune it by ear. If there is too much bass, not enough treble, I decrease the force and vice-versa, right?

No. Vertical tracking ANGLE is what can very bass or treble. Too much or too little tracking force will result in mistracking or distortion. Set the force at that recommended by the mfr or slightly higher--usually you want it somewhere from the median to 3/4 of the upper range number. The dial on the counterweight is perfectly adequate for the time being. It's what most people used 35 years ago.

 

[BrocLuno]

Yup, use the dial for now. Float the tone arm and set the little counter ring to zero. Now turn the counterweight and dial inward as one unit to the number you need. You'll be within 10% or better

 

[ZAZ13]

From all the numbers I've seen associated with properly set up TTs, 10% sounds like a bad number.

 

[MelodyMaster]

From all the numbers I've seen associated with properly set up TTs, 10% sounds like a bad number.

Set the dial to the recommended force and the antiskating likewise and you'll be fine. Too little weight will result in mistracking, which you'll hear in the form of clicks. Too much will make the cartridge look too low to the record. We've been adjusting tracking weight this way for many many decades, and it's always been generally close enough. Yes, get a scale to fine-tune, but the above is good enough until you receive it.

Vertical Tracking angle, overhang, and toe-in are the more critical adjustments for a pickup.

 

[boreas]

From all the numbers I've seen associated with properly set up TTs, 10% sounds like a bad number.

Let's say you're setting up a cartridge where the manufacturer's specs are from 0.75 g to 1.5 g and you're adjusting to the optimum of 1.25 g. (Shure M97xE) Now let's say you're off by 10%. That means, if you're light, you're at 1.125 g or, if you're heavy, 1.375 g. That is still comfortably within the manufacturer's specs.

John