How to mount cartridge on custom wood tonearn

[TrueAudio73]

I have a 12” custom cherry wood tonearm designed similar to Grace tonearms. The company that made this arm has gone out of business. I don’t know how to mount a cartridge. There is a hole on top of the tonearm. It seems that there should be an adaptor with two slots to mount the cartridge. Any suggestions on an adaptor piece?

 

[swechsler]

I would bet that the original part from the Grace tonearm will fit*, although finding that might be difficult. If not, you'd probably have to 3D print or CNC one out of aluminum (the latter of which would probably cost more than the value of the tonearm unless you have access to the equipment). I note that the Turntable Shop has one of the Grace arms on their site; you could try contacting them to see if they have any info on obtaining parts.

Do you know anything about the company, like their name?

* This is actually just a guess; you'd have to compare the pivot to hole distance on both arms to see if they're the same.

 

[egellings]

I looks like you might need to drill two holes 0.5 inch apart that allow a 4-40 bolt to go through. If the holes were slots instead, then you could adjust the cartridge overhang and lateral offset angle more easily since the slots would allow cartridge positioning.

 

[sqlsavior]

Liquid Nails (TM)

But, you'll have to get the alignment exactly right, the very first time.

 

[egellings]

Also, make sure the stylus is user replaceable.