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Setting Proper Overhang

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Dbuss1805

New Member
I am using the Technics overhang gauge with my SL 1600.
What is the best way to make sure the cartridge sits exactly centered after making sure the stylus reaches the 52mm line?
I am eyeing the "center location" of the cart in the head shell but am wondering if there is a better way to ensure everything is as accurate as can be.

Thank you in advance for any advice!
 
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The designers typically aimed for Stevenson alignment, and in the case of Technics, it’s a proprietary alignment, but you have their gauge. I believe the specific offset angle of the head shell was done as such so the cart could be lined up parallel with the edges of the head shell.

When one goes for Baerwald alignment, that has a longer overhang, and that’s when you see carts angled in the head shell.
 
The designers typically aimed for Stevenson alignment, and in the case of Technics, it’s a proprietary alignment, but you have their gauge. I believe the specific offset angle of the head shell was done as such so the cart could be lined up parallel with the edges of the head shell.

When one goes for Baerwald alignment, that has a longer overhang, and that’s when you see carts angled in the head shell.
 
tnsilver said:
Yes, pretty much nailed it. How difficult can that be? A protractor may set you off - depending which one you use. I don't recall what Technics used but it's not trivial. This isn't rocket science and you're not implanting ions in a silicone chip, so by all means use your eyes.

Jeez! They came up with the 52mm distance to make life easy, simple and hassle free and on top of that created a gauge - why must there always be a problem?

Click to expand...


I agree it's very simple and have used it with good results. Eying the center location definitely isn't difficult I just want to make sure that being a touch off center (assuming that when I eye it it isn't perfectly accurate) that there won't be any damage or significant issue to the record over time. With how accurate alot of these adjustments are in regards to turntables, It's hard to assume to that even the easiest tool (overhang guage) was designed to take into consideration minor flaws with eyeing the center location.

Great episode by the way, can't go wrong with Seinfeld!
 
Dbuss1805 said:
I agree it's very simple and have used it with good results. Eying the center location definitely isn't difficult I just want to make sure that being a touch off center (assuming that when I eye it it isn't perfectly accurate) that there won't be any damage or significant issue to the record over time. With how accurate alot of these adjustments are in regards to turntables, It's hard to assume to that even the easiest tool (overhang guage) was designed to take into consideration minor flaws with eyeing the center location.

Great episode by the way, can't go wrong with Seinfeld!
Click to expand...
Eyeing the cartridge can sometimes be tricky depending on the shape of the cartridge. I look at a picture and can tell instantly if it is not parallel to the floor others can't tell. I understand what the OP is saying. I work on TTs all the time and still second guess myself but I do use the protractor.
 
If you use a Technics 52mm gauge and Technics headshell you should end up centered in the slots. Change brands of headshell and you might not be in the center at 52. That doesn't matter as long as it's square in the headshell or a line through the mounting bolts is perpendicular to the slots. Pretty easy-peasy if you ask me.
 
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