A search for "tonearm spirit level" on ebay will likely provide you with what you are looking for. However, keep in mind that more often than not, a level is not level, and the spirit levels I am referring to on ebay have no means for adjustment except for sanding the bottom edge to true it up, whih I have not yet done on the one I recently received. I have been using woodworking brass gauge blocks with good success, although the card trick works as well.
Parallel? How do you set the VTA?
Silly question, but how do you guys determine whether your tonearm is parallel to the record surface? I had my tonearm set up happily for months, but recently started messing around with the cartridge alignment and the VTA, and I'll be damned, but the folded index card method gets me nowhere now. Even with adjustments I keep getting the same visual effect. Happily my ear tells me when the setting is off, but as a base, how do you determine conclusively your tonearm is parallel? For reference, I have a VPI Classic. Thanks.