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Thorens TD 160 tonearm bent downward

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bluenose1

New Member
I'm new here so I hope someone can provide some clarification. I recently purchased a TD160. The tonearm, which is a TP16, has a slight but noticiable downward bend at the the end close to the headshell connector. The seller says Thorens made different versions of the tonearm, some of which had the bend. He's had two TD160's, both of which had the bend in the tonearm. My question, did Thorens make a version of the tonearm for the TD160 which is not straight? I hope someone here can shed some light.
 
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I've got a TP16 tonearm. I do not see any downward bend on mine. I believe the seller is correct in that Thorens made several versions of the TP16.

May I suggest that you look around on the web and see if you can find a pic or a mention of a TP16 with a bend in the arm. If this thread stays active long enough, someone will probably chime in with a definitive answer.

Welcome to AK!
 
Here's a photo showing the bend. The arm is a TP16 based on all the pictures and diagrams I can find. But all I've seen so far seem to be straight.
 

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  • Thorens TP16 tonearm 002.jpg
    Thorens TP16 tonearm 002.jpg
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Looks to me like the arm is damaged. Can you remove the collar from the arm tube? Seems to be bent at the connection.
 
There is absolutely no way a cartridge could be parallel to a record with that configuration. The headshell connector looks bent.
 
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It could be damaged but it amost looks like the metal piece that attaches to the end (the short piece that has the headshell locking collar on it) was fastened to the arm tube incorrectly. The short piece looks like there is a small metal pin fastening it to the arm tube but the piece might also be glued too. If I could get the short piece off, I might be able to re-attach it properly. But I'm a bit nervous about getting too adventurous. Anybody know how to remove the end piece?
 
Thanks Eviltuhsd. The internet is amazing. That procedure is worth a try but If I totally bugger it up then my option is to find a good TP16 to replace it. I think there are some out there at decent prices...Thanks for all comments.
 
I could be mistaken, but his tonearm seems bent as well, if that is the case then it may the way the tonearm was designed.
I included the pics from eviltuhsd's reply.

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I wouldn't worry about it.
 
Zodia, In examining the arm more closely and sighting with a good straight edge I believe you're right. Why Thorens would purposely make an arm like that is a mystery but more research is needed before I try anything rash...
 
UPDATE....I decided that the tonearm could be straightened if done carefully. What did I have to lose? So I removed the headshell and the headshell retaining collar and end piece by removing the metal retaing pin (as shown in the previous instructions) That left the bare (bent) tonearm end. I then found a piece of wood about 5" long and about 1.5 " square. I then drilled a 3" to 4" hole into the end, the diameter of which is just a tiny bit larger than the tonearm diameter. I could then slip the wood piece over the bent part of the tonearm. By holding tightly to the pivot end of the tonearm with one hand and prying gently but firmly upward on the piece of wood with the other, I was slowly able to get the tonearm perfectly straight. It took a while but the arm is now perfect and there is absolutely no damage to anything. Horray!
I hope the process is clear in case anyone else might have the same or similar problem. Cheers...
 
Hi, guys

the photos from the wiring replacement are mine and yes the tonearm has a noticeable bend. That's the reason I'm using it as a model. It's a problem, not something Thorens did in their tonearms on purpose. Probably the previous seller damaged it or it was damaged during transport. Try to straighten it or look for a replacement. Otherwise you'll have a problematic tonearm.
 
bluenose1 said:
UPDATE....I decided that the tonearm could be straightened if done carefully. What did I have to lose? So I removed the headshell and the headshell retaining collar and end piece by removing the metal retaing pin (as shown in the previous instructions) That left the bare (bent) tonearm end. I then found a piece of wood about 5" long and about 1.5 " square. I then drilled a 3" to 4" hole into the end, the diameter of which is just a tiny bit larger than the tonearm diameter. I could then slip the wood piece over the bent part of the tonearm. By holding tightly to the pivot end of the tonearm with one hand and prying gently but firmly upward on the piece of wood with the other, I was slowly able to get the tonearm perfectly straight. It took a while but the arm is now perfect and there is absolutely no damage to anything. Horray!
I hope the process is clear in case anyone else might have the same or similar problem. Cheers...
Click to expand...


Well done!

The seller's story about Thorens making some of these with bent arms is not true FWIW
 
The arm is damaged. I have seen dozens of TP16 arms and never have I seen one with a bend in it. AFAIK
Regards,
Jim
 
dlamprou said:
Hi, guys

the photos from the wiring replacement are mine and yes the tonearm has a noticeable bend. That's the reason I'm using it as a model. It's a problem, not something Thorens did in their tonearms on purpose. Probably the previous seller damaged it or it was damaged during transport. Try to straighten it or look for a replacement. Otherwise you'll have a problematic tonearm.
Click to expand...

Right on, learn something new everyday.:thmbsp:
 
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