Reddit mentions of Shure SFG-2 Stylus Tracking Force Gauge

Shure Stylus Tracking Force Gauge. Scale is in .05 gram increments. It's very accurate.
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD

You could always get a scale. I'm using this and it's great for that price I think. http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372931007&sr=8-1&keywords=shure+scale

If you're really struggling with knowing your tracking force then I'd suggest picking up a force gauge that'll tell you exactly what it is.

I'd invest in this:

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420489486&sr=8-1&keywords=stylus+force+gauge

Takes out the guesswork and let's you adjust the force to exactly the point it's rated for.

If your sister's got a few warped records, a record clamp would certainly be useful. Cork mats OTOH tend to be less staticky than felt so would certainly be useful in dry environments. Should you be leaning towards the record clamp direction, Pro-ject will sell you one. You could also perhaps consider buying other stuff, like record cleaning kits, test records and/or gauges to help her set up her new turntable.

>It does still work, but who knows what damage I did…

Nah, the damage would be popping off the diamond. If it's still there, you're fine.

>I was told the microline styli are super fragile and things like second-hand records can easily damage them. Is this true?

Dirty and/or badly damaged second-hand records won't do them any favors. (Neither will budget-label pressings like Crown and Diplomat.)

Here's a wacky suggestion: Buy a second headshell to put the AT440 on, and keep the 500 for the old, sad items. You may need to change the VTF when you switch carts, but that's easy on your Technics. A lot of us old farts with large collections have multiple carts to deal with various eventualities.

Printing out the protractors and following the instructions will get the job done just fine. Setting the VTF is a bit more accurate with a $30 Shure Stylus Tracking Force Gauge, but doing it the old fashioned way will get you close enough.

As to which alignment to use, just make sure you use one of them. Technics makes this thing that takes the guesswork out of it completely (if you have an S-arm direct-drive Technics, which you do), but they seem to be out of stock everywhere. Hopefully they're making some more ...

When you get a chance, this will make it easy.

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311692892&sr=8-1

It doesn't sound like you're DJing, so for personal listening, you shouldn't use a DJ cartridge and 2.5 to 3 grams is way way way too much. Also, it's impossible to eyeball tracking weight. Pick up one of these and a new cartridge, and set it to the weight your new cartridge manufacturer recommends.

There are 2 versions of the Grado: standard mount and P-Mount. You need the standard mount. The P-Mount connects directly to the tonearm, without a headshell and is not compatible with your turntable.

When you install your new cartridge, make sure to:

• align your cartridge (there's an alignment chart and instructions included with the Shure cartridge)
  
• precisely measure the tracking force with a gauge in order to get the best sound and not ruin your records
  
• set up the anti skating.

For $25 it could be worth it, but you'll probably want to look at it and/or ask for a demonstration first. Like /u/AmadeusK482 said, parts such as the headshell or cartridge make or break a deal, and if they're missing it could cost you a good amount for a replacement (an entry level cartridge like the AT95e costs ~$50 for example). Ultimately it probably is a step up from you're current TT, but before you pull the trigger shop around a little bit and make sure you know you're getting a clean and functional table.

On a side note, if you're concerned about the amount of wear you're putting on your records, you might want to consider investing in a tracking force gauge like this or this. This will let you see the amount of pressure the LP60, or any TT you upgrade to, puts on your records. As general rule of thumb a vertical tracking force of under 4g is considered healthy, but the ideal weight varies according to the specific cartridge.

Get yourself one of these and you don't have to worry about not having the numbers on your counterweight.

Accurately measuring tracking force, even with a specialized scale, is tough. If you use a standard jeweler's scale, chances are your measurement is off. The height of the scale surface is way higher than the height of the record. This results in the actual tracking force at the record surface being off by a fair amount. The only way to guarantee an accurate reading is to adjust VTA so the tonearm is level when the stylus is on the scale. This is not only a royal PITA, but unrealistic for most tables/setups. I recommend using the tried and true Shure beam-style scale. It ends up being more accurate than most digital scales, even if you don't adjust for VTA.

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451755443&sr=8-1&keywords=sure+scale

That's the one. I don't own one yet, but I figure it makes sense to get the analog scale for my analog machine :) Inexpensive digital scales that work in the realm of one gram out to two decimals are inherently sketchy.

Hi.

Is it as simple as unscrewing the old one? - Nope. You have a little setup work to do, but it's not that hard.

I have a ground wire issue: the wire does not stay grounded for longer than 10 minutes. It is currently connected to the ground screw that is on the back of my receiver/amp. Thanks. - I don't understand this. It sounds like the ground wire is open somewhere. Time to take that table apart!

edit: also, what is the best way to ensure I have the TT at the correct weight? - This is: http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334162008&sr=8-1

edit 2: I am open to having the TT professionally repaired. There is
a store in town that can handle such tasks. I am unsure of how much they would charge or what is reasonable, however. - No help here. You gotta call them and hope for the best. Make CERTAIN you get feedback from other customers before handing your table over!

BTW - I LOVE the Dual 505-2. Best looking dual table ever, IMHO.

Good luck!

Something like this (a scale, pretty much) + the recommended tracking weight for your cart.

Before you do anything else I would look for one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD

Even though you followed the directions and have everything set up correctly it still may not be right. Do you have a store locally that sells highish end audio equipment? A lot of them have equipment classes and are willing to help you set up your TT for little to no charge.

I went here when I first started where I live and they were the greatest!

http://www.fredsoundofmusic.com

Something everyone needs to keep in mind - especially new folks to the hobby:

You need to correctly set the tracing force of your tone arm.

Pick up a scale:

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD

There are cheaper alternatives. But I've never tried them.

And follow this guide:

http://gearpatrol.com/2015/06/03/how-to-adjust-tracking-force-on-a-turntable/

To expand on what bogbrain said: The Shure m97xe tracks at an optimum 1.25g tracking force. This is the apparent weight of the needle on the record. You can adjust this with the counter balance weight at the opposite end of the tonearm. Sometimes there is a little scale drawn on the weight with the idea that you balance the tonearm with the needle attached so it floats evenly. Then you "zero" the scale and then turn the weight until it reads 1.25g in this case. But the best method is to use a stylus force gauge like this

Other causes of this skipping could be the anti-skating force is set incorrectly. You'll have to consult your turntable manual for instructions on how to set this force.

Since there are no numbers, you may want to consider this or something like it. That should allow you dial it in once you are able to get the counterweight working as it should.

Also as others have said, clean that table!

This one is nice and simple and I even bring it with me when I DJ.
Shure SFG - 2 - Stylus Tracking Force Guage

My best recommendation is to never use a DJ cartridge. You should get a cartridge designed for home listening, then set it up using an alignment protractor and stylus force gage. When it's time to set the weight, use a stylus force gage to set the vertical tracking force to the upper limit of the cartridge manufacturer's spec. For a good cartridge, this shouldn't be much more than about 1.8-2.2 grams. (For your current DJ cartridge, the upper limit is 10 grams, which is absolutely insane. My Denon tops out at 2.0 g, which is a little higher than most.) For anti-skate, set it to the same number as your VTF setting and then tweak it from there as necessary.

You may find that you can't get rid of this entirely. Your current cartridge may have permanently damaged this part of your record's grooves. Also, most cheaper cartridges with conical styli will have a hint of this towards the end of a side.

What kind of turntable and tonearm are you using?

Like GorgeousGeorgeX says - the weight of the cartridge isn't all that relevant - the force that the needle places on the groove is what counts (i.e. you can counter-balance the weight of the cartridge by sliding the weight around on the other end of the arm).

Buy or borrow a tracking force gauge:
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD

You might consider a tracking force gauge like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD

Too much force can damage your records, but not as much as you think, and it would take quite a few spins and have to be pretty heavily weighted.

The deeper/wider grooves on the record are the bass notes, and with too little tracking force you may not be getting the needle deep enough to get the most bass out of your records.

That's why I'd suggest getting a tracking force gauge. Once you balance the tone arm and put on the cartridge/headshell you can use the tracking gauge to keep your counterweight honest. Just because you set it at 1 1/4 doesn't mean it's accurate. Your cartridge has a recommended tracking force that should be easily googled if you don't have the manual it came with.

You also want to make sure your stylus isn't tilted too far left or right. There are tools for that as well and it's a huge pain in the rear, but paying attention to these things will bring you hours of vinyl spinning pleasure with minimal wear to your precious records.

The end.

You could get a tracking gauge, then add blue tac to the counterweight (or headshell) to get the tracking force that's recommended by your cartridge.

use a scale for tracking force: http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD

and set the antiskate same as tracking force.

Nice table!

I have this:
www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD

Lets me measure the tracking force.

How high is your tracking force with your current counterweight set to max? Is it reasonable, like 2.0 or something?

Additionally, you -could- rig something up. Like a simple paperclip under the arm, and then some weight going back attached to it.

I have that same cart, it ROCKS

You can always order a VTF scale to ease your mind.

I have this Chinese one and I think it works well enough. It comes with a 5g weight for calibration so I feel good about using it.

Or you can forgo digital and get this other scale for a bit more

Also love the red Pro-ject. Picked one up myself so I could get a taste of a belt tables.

I have always used one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD

I havent played anything I know to play well yet, I will try that in a day or two, Before that I intend to recallibrate it to match the desired tracking force.
I cringe when using my shure stylus gauge cause I fear the arm waving around or rubbing against metal might do it harm.

"It's fairly easy to check the tracking force on a Debut Carbon" Do you mean visually by looking at the notches on the counterweight?

But yep, i'll try to recalibrate, play something else and report back :)
Thanks for writing!

This product:

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD/

Will give you a better idea how much tracking force is being applied to the record.

Warping is a bit more common these days because of the vinyl boom which pushes pressing plant capacity over their limits, resulting in poorer quality.

Warps which cause the stylus to wobble sideways are particulary nasty, because they're pretty audible.

this is the gauge I'm using:
https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Your LP120 tonearm is similiar to the one used in technics SL decks, right? Then I would go to the vinylengine.com page and download their technics protractor. It comes with a manual. It's an alternative to the overhang gauge, resulting in a different allignment (Baerwald, the overhang gauge is similiar to Stevenson). Most people agree that Baerwald results in less distortion.

Yep, all inherited, along with a Shure SFG-2. I didn't know how to use it, but it was pretty evident after reading the manual. I think I scaled it to about 1g or so, anyhow lower than what the manual said. Both of my cartridges still had the original packaging and documentation that cam along with them. One is a Micro-Acoustics 2002e and the other is a Grado Series "8". :)

Also, for a turntable, look for something with a removable headshell, a counterweight and anti skate. While not absolutely necessary they make it so your stylus is light on your records and stays in the groove instead of carving your records up.

Shure SFG-2 Stylus Tracking Force Gauge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006I5SD/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_30Dgub095RT2V

This has been invaluable to setting turntables up.

I use these to store extra headshells/carts. Should be suitable for transporting them as well. No need to realign after each move.

No need to upgrade the headshell with a new cart, but with two headshells you can keep both carts mounted and quickly swap them in and out. You are going to need a stylus force gauge to properly set the tracking weight.