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Grimms Baerwald alignment gauge

S

stonedeaf

Well-Known Member
Bought these off of eBay last week -used it a couple of nights back -they work. Bought the AT VM-95 gauge and the Shure V-15/IV version. Here's how these work : a.) remove stylus b.) mount the cartridge not loose and wobbly-but just loose enough to slide the cart around in the mounting slots. c.) If using a headshell -attach it to your tonearm. d.) there are two spindle holes in the gauge -push your spindle through either one to start (no LP on platter) . e.) Fit the cart body into the cup on the Grimm Gauge -move it around until it fits. f.) Now place the spindle into the second hole and move the cart around until it fits. g.)move to the original spindle hole -should fit perfectly. If not -repeat until it does fit perfectly installed in both holes. h.) leave the cart in the holder/cup -place thumb on the top of the arm/headshell and press down hard enough to hold it in place. Tighten bolts . BTW - this is the feature I like the most about Grimm's gauge . The number of times I've finished aligning carts-tightened everything up -re-checked alignment and it's just a little off -so I get to start over again. Not fun. Won't happen with this gauge.
Downsides : Really designed for specific makes/models of cartridges and likely will also require OEM styli -since cantilever length on generic? styli may or likely will not be identical to original design. (Oh yeah-you do have to re-install the stylus in the cart body.)
 
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I bought the Shure V15 Type III version and also an arc protractor for my Sumiko Premier MMT and found that they are very consistent to each other as well. I initially setup the Type III with the arc protractor, then used the Grimms to verify. My ears like the sound too. I'll likely use the Grimms for my main tool but it's nice to have a backup method.
 
I wrote the maker about making one for the Nagaoka MP-110. He requires the cartridge with stylus to make measurements of the stylus position and then to do test listening with the resulting prototype alignment tool. He seemed open to using loaned cartridges but I was reluctant to ship mine for this purpose. If you have one with stylus that you're willing to risk (loss or damage) you might contact them through their auction page.
 
Sorry for the all caps -previous post (new laptop and I screw up every time I use it )-: . Realized that my originak suggestion as to how you find this product on eBay was pretty lame (lots n lots of Grimm's Fairy tale merch) . A eBay search for "Grimm's Audio Technica" and that gauge will pop up -from there you can look at his other items he has for sale to find the gauges for Hana MC ,Shure V-15--III and Shure V-15-IV cartridges.
 
That´s clever! May try to diy a 3D-printed one for myself and my trusty old ADC ZLM.
 
stonedeaf said:
Bought these off of eBay last week -used it a couple of nights back -they work. Bought the AT VM-95 gauge and the Shure V-15/IV version. Here's how these work : a.) remove stylus b.) mount the cartridge not loose and wobbly-but just loose enough to slide the cart around in the mounting slots. c.) If using a headshell -attach it to your tonearm. d.) there are two spindle holes in the gauge -push your spindle through either one to start (no LP on platter) . e.) Fit the cart body into the cup on the Grimm Gauge -move it around until it fits. f.) Now place the spindle into the second hole and move the cart around until it fits. g.)move to the original spindle hole -should fit perfectly. If not -repeat until it does fit perfectly installed in both holes. h.) leave the cart in the holder/cup -place thumb on the top of the arm/headshell and press down hard enough to hold it in place. Tighten bolts . BTW - this is the feature I like the most about Grimm's gauge . The number of times I've finished aligning carts-tightened everything up -re-checked alignment and it's just a little off -so I get to start over again. Not fun. Won't happen with this gauge.
Downsides : Really designed for specific makes/models of cartridges and likely will also require OEM styli -since cantilever length on generic? styli may or likely will not be identical to original design. (Oh yeah-you do have to re-install the stylus in the cart body.)
Click to expand...
I got mine (for the V15 IV) a couple of days ago and decided to give it a whirl this morning. Shazam! Fastest and easiest alignment ever. One does need to make sure the cartridge is fully seated into the well on the gauge - it's snug, but you'll feel it when it seats correctly. I'm using an OEM stylus so should be good on final alignment. I do want to try one of my aftermarket styli as well as check against my Feickert protractor later. Well worth buying, IMHO.
 
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mikehd said:
I wrote the maker about making one for the Nagaoka MP-110. He requires the cartridge with stylus to make measurements of the stylus position and then to do test listening with the resulting prototype alignment tool. He seemed open to using loaned cartridges but I was reluctant to ship mine for this purpose. If you have one with stylus that you're willing to risk (loss or damage) you might contact them through their auction page.
Click to expand...
I would like to try one for my MP-110, but I'm not comfortable shipping it to him. With the AT 3600L being everywhere one foe it would sell I would think.
 
Thanks for the heads up.
I just picked one up for the ATVM95.
Looks like I bought the last one in stock,if any others want one,you might have to wait for the seller to re stock.

Looks like it should work well for me with my aged vision.
 
I have a Hana ML on the way and plan to try one of these. I also have a V15iv in play that has a Jico SAS. Not sure if that changes the geometry or not. I've been using the Dr Feikert but this sure looks easy. BTW, they have one for the Nagaoka MP series now for anyone reading this thread.
 
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