Ctlphd, You got a lot of good advice from those who would otherwise go ahead and let a moving company pack your turntable, tonearm, and cartridge. However, the whole idea is a nightmare for me, unless you are looking for a way to get rid of your gear and get full price back in return. I would consult VPI as to the best way to pack and ship your turntable per se. If you have the original carton and packing materials, I would probably start there, then double box it. Then your movers can take the carton from there. BUT I would never let a moving company touch any of my tonearms or cartridges, and as someone else said, I would carry them both with me during the move, if possible. (By the way, the Triplanar has a beautiful foam compartmentalized carton that is nearly fool proof once the arm has been properly inserted; certainly you should use that too.) It is unthinkable (for me) to hand over the intact ensemble (tt, tonearm, cartridge) to a bunch of the day laborers who typically work for moving companies. I am even surprised you can find a company that would take on the responsibility. I realize that if one is moving a very long distance or from country to country, the ideal solutions are not always possible, so good luck.
Moving VPI TNT, Wheaton Triplanar, Transfiguration
I'm moving my VPI TNT, Wheaton Triplanar, and Transfiguration Phoenix across country using a moving company (insured as 'high value item' for full replacement value). The moving company is going to crate the turntable, but I'm not sure whether to dismount the cartridge and/or tonearm. I would prefer not to have to start the setup from scratch when I arrive, as everything is set up well now. But, it's certainly not worth risking damaging anything in the move. I'm thinking the best thing may be to remove the tonearm either totally from the table, or along with the removeable armboard, and leave the cartridge attached to the tonearm, transporting those parts together, but separately from the table. I'm concerned that the bearings/other parts of the tonearm might be stressed if left on the table. I thought I would also take the platter off to prevent wear on the bearing. I thought I would remove the feet and rubber balls that support the table, and pad the table as carefully as I can. I have the original packaging cushions for the table but the box is in no shape to travel. I also have the original boxes for the tonearm, cartridge, and motor, with all the foam, etc. Any advice would be appreciated.
What do people do when transporting tables to shows? I wouldn't think they would completely disassemble/reassemble them, but I'm sure it's a more controlled environment.
What do people do when transporting tables to shows? I wouldn't think they would completely disassemble/reassemble them, but I'm sure it's a more controlled environment.