Tool for measuring pivot to spindle distance?


My new cartridge is on its way. I am making sure I have all the necessary tools for setting up the tonearm and cartridge, and realized that I don't have a decent tool for measuring the pivot to spindle distance for the tonearm. All I have is a plastic ruler with mm measurements - not ideal to say the least!

I would love to get something like the Clearaudio Protractor or the Dennisen/Nerve Audio Protractors, but such tools are beyond my budget. Is there a less expensive alternative? For example, would a set of 12" digital calipers (with mm readings of course)work?

I see some calipers costing around $35 - great price - are they accurate enough at that price point? No doubt most of these are made in China, which may or may not be a problem.

My budget is not much - less than $50 would be ideal. Any advice would be appreciated.

Holly
oakiris

Showing 1 response by banquo363

I've been using a straight ruler w/o sonic penalty (I think). But recently I've been thinking along your lines, Oakiris. For $40 this caliper would surely be good enough. It's allegedly good to a hundredth of a mm, but even if not exactly true, I take that it's better than eyeballing it with a ruler?