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VPI Scoutmaster - Rubber Washer

Hi,
On the VPI website, there is an FAQ:

Q: "My VPI record clamp came with a rubber washer. What am I supposed to do with it?"

A: The rubber washer is meant to be permanently placed over the turntable's spindle below the record. This prevents "dishing" of the LP when it is clamped to the platter using the threaded VPI clamp.

My question is: Do you still use the washer if you also have the periphery ring clamp? "Dishing" wouldn't be a potential problem anymore.

In fact, it looks to me like the record "dishes" DOWNWARD with both the rubber washer and outer ring clamp in use. I think I should remove the washer. Anyone out there have any opinions, stories, ideas, etc.?

Thanks.

Tom
tfkaudio
justubes
47 posts
 
Ditch the rubber washer if you are using the outside ring clamp. I have the SuperScout Master with both the outside and the center clamp with no rubber washer underneath the vinyl. These two heavy weight clamps are IMHO are the biggest upgrade from the Scout to the SuperScout Master. I have spun vinyl that I would not normally place on a regular table because of warping with great success.
wires
22 posts
 
If you are using the screw down clamp (as well as the periphery ring) then you still should use thye washer. The dishing is caused only at the center of the record being pushed downward. I hope this makes sense.
tfkaudio OP
591 posts
 
Well, 2 vote for the rubber washer and 2 vote against. Anyone want to break the tie?

Cheers.
tfkaudio OP
591 posts
 
Thank you, Cincy Bob.

I couldn't find anything on the website in the FAQ section, but then I decided to look at the online manual for the HRX table, which comes standard with the outer clamp. (There is no mention of outer ring clamp issues in the Scoutmaster manual, because it's not a standard item.)
Sure enough, in the HRX manual, it says:

"Place the record on the platter and drop on the record spindle weight. NO WASHER IS USED UNDER THE RECORD IN THIS SYSTEM. Take the ring clamp and lower it onto the record rim, keeping it level all around. (etc...)"

I was pretty sure the washer needed to be removed after noticing the downward "dishing" and also noticing that the music always sounded better about 1/3 into the record.

Cheers.
gregory_earl
15 posts
 
Tom, the rubber washer's purpose is to keep the record from dishing when using the threaded clamp.

But once you upgrade to the periphery ring, dishing is no longer a problem. And since the platter is perfectly flat, having a washer under the center of your record while a heavy ring pulls down on the outer rim of your record would cause a reverse dish effect.

Don't use the washer when using the periphery ring. And as far as the center clamp goes just use the stainless steel one when using the ring.

Your threaded clamp and washer is for the most part no longer necessary once you make this up-grade.
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