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Record clamps

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Here is an inexpensive weight on an inexpensive turntable with an inexpensive Radio Shack cartridge.:D
 

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My "clamp" is an old glass insulator from a power pole with a spray paint can cap fitted inside it and a hole drilled in the center for the spindle. Not a clue if it helps at all, but it didn't cost me a dime. I actually need to remake the plastic bit in the center, the hole isn't drilled quite where it ought to be.
 
My record clamp consists of small stacks of pennies and nickels masking taped to a piece of corrugated cardboard. On top of the mount of cardboard and wads of masking tape and small stacks of coins in random directions, I stuck a post-it note that proudly proclaims:

Pittsburgh Audio
"Soundgasm"
Audiophile Record Clamp
Handmade in U.S.A.

I must say, it has greatly increased the sound quality of my MCS turntable with genuine imitation wood veneer and a Realistic cartridge. Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass has never sounded better (no, really, I did listen to an album by them today). :D
 
G'day all, I love finding 'unconventional' uses for various commonly available items, like these round blocks of rubber used as parts of door stoppers. They make excellent and very cheap record clamps.

They are 'pre drilled' and just 'press on' to the record spindle. :thmbsp: Regards, Felix aka catman.
 

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using a device like this has been something i have contemplated myself, can you guys tell a noticeable difference when using a clamp?
 
I feel there is a difference between a clamp and a puck/weight. A clamp uses the spindle to clamp itself, pressing the record against the platter (or the mat). A puck uses it weight to press the record down, causing extra weight and therefore friction on the bearing. So I wouldn't use a heavy weight without checking the bearing can handle it. Or, in the case of weak-motored belt drive TT, if the weight doesn't influence the speed.

As for differences: I use a clamp on both my TT's. My main TT doesn't have a mat, and to my ears it seems to sound a bit better with the clamp. My other TT has a normal rubber mat, and actually I can't hear a difference. But since using a clamp is part of the ritual of playing records, I keep using it.
 
I have a record clamp but it collects dust. I find no difference using it or not. Since its a PITA it just sits by the turntable.
 
I have many different clamps and honestly not sure if I hear any real difference but they certainly don't hurt. But I always use one to prevent record slippage when using a Disc Washer or other cleaning brush. Ever see those nasty scratches on used albums that follow the grooves? I'm fairly sure that was caused by a record slipping on the mat when cleaning. Obviously there had to be some spec of dirt to cause the scratch which could have either been on the album or mat. So for me, the clamps serve a dual purpose.
 
I can't hear the difference but it sure keeps tigers away. If you have a felt mat it could bend 'bowl' the record if clamped too hard.

I good mat is a much better mod and I can actually hear the difference between mat materials.
 
Hockey puck for me. Works great, and provides the handle to spin the platter while using a record brush.
 
I finally went out and bought a few hockey pucks. Drilled one with a 5/16" bit and it pressed right on with a nice amount of grab.

Initial listening is great... Bass seems punchier and I'm noticing slightly less sibilance, which has been a problem for me.

I'm going to retry, though. I got darn near close to the center but it's not perfect.
 
I like my hockey puck on my h/k table. I think a standard regulation NHL puck qualifies as a lightweight clamp if you drill the hole correctly, and a lightweight, er, weight if you drill it too large.
 
aahhh, nevermind ..... I just got out bid on the Thorens .... it went for $435 ... .....really? Seems like top dollar to me .....
 
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