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 john_gordon

Holly, I've replied to your post on VE. You don't actually need to know the P2S distance if you can easily adjust at the base, just a two point protractor.

Simply adjust the board with your protractor to set up the cartridge, like the SME. Just mount the cartridge square anywhere in the headshell and then adjust at the base until the nulls are correct.

If you want more tech info as to why this is the case, see point 2 in
this link here: common misconceptions about tonearms

John