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Installation Instructions??

Regarding the installation of the cartridge in a tonearm. Is there a suggestion how to get the tonearm wires on to the pins of the cartrige? Last time I tried, my hand slipped because of a tight fit of the pins, and I broke off the conector on the Valhalla wire of the VPI arm. VPI sent me a new arm much to their credit, but I would not like to do that again. Do you install the wires, and then affix the cartridge into the headshell?? Do you use a special tool,etc. etc.
stringreen

Showing 2 responses by bdgregory

bdgregory
1,724 posts
 
I use needle-nose pliers, although it's still possible to slip and do damage f you're not extra careful - especially in the case of a tight fit. It's hopeless for me to try this using my fat fingers.
bdgregory
1,724 posts
 
ok, I'm probably over-analyzing this task, but here's my additional 2 cents:
I have used hemostats (which incidentally can be purchased at most electronics, fly fishing, and probably other crafts or hobby shops). They work nicely as long as you don't lock the clamp on the wire. Unlocking them is tricky without bending connectors. This may be a problem with my own dexterity or technique, but I quit for this reason and went back to needle nose pliers. The set I use is very small, light weight and spring loaded. That said, I think the idea of regular tweezers is great because of the finger tip control they give you. I really like the tweezers Tobias posted - gonna buy me a set.

by the way - generally connect the leads to the cartridge BEFORE I attach the cartridge to the headshell. I even do this with my Glider. It's not such a concern with my other cartridges because they have a stylus guard. I'm more comfortable doing it this way, having tried it when attached.
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