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replacing tonearm question?

Hey,
I have a VPI HW-19 MK4 which I love dearly. My existing Sumiko FT-3 tonearm is 20 years old and on its last legs and I want to replace it with a Jelco 750 or 850. Both arms are 9". Would I have to have a new armboard made and drill new holes? Or could I use the existing armboard and hole and just drill new screws? I know I'd havr to factor in the tonearm radius and all the millimeter differences.

I've never done this before so please excuse my ignorance on this.
simao

Showing 7 responses by simao

simao's avatar
simao OP
1,853 posts
 
Okay. Quarantine has given me the time to finally do this -- after taking care of other pressing matters, like rearranging my home office, building the boys a pirate ship, tuning and retuning the drum kit, and other really important stuff. 

I have the Jelco schematic and template and Feickerts protractor and all the necessary tools. 

Is there a helpful, step by step video anyone knows of I can have at my side in lieu of a knowledgeable Audiogon member?
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,853 posts
 
Thank you, mijostyn. My existing armboard is acrylic and there's a discussion either here or on the Hoffman forums with links to a shop that could make me a new board. Would you recommend acrylic or wood?
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,853 posts
 
@imhififan Thanks for that! That's exactly what I needed to know. And @noromance, thank you as well.
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,853 posts
 
I just ordered a Jelco 850M (10") arm, set to arrive today. Forgive my naiveté, but could I simply spin my existing armboard around so the holes for the Sumiko are now towards the front of the tt, and drill new holes on the part of the board towards the rear?

Or is that going to compromise structural integrity of the board?

simao's avatar
simao OP
1,853 posts
 
@yogiboy Thanks!
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,853 posts
 
@noromance Not yet. It just came in today and I won't have time until this weekend. Will post an update then.
@best-groove: Thanks for the Sumiko tonearm picture - that'll help!
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,853 posts
 
Hey best-groove ,
Good point there, but the FT-3 is twenty years old, is out of damping oil, and lacks the VTA adjustment. It's simply showing its age. I got the Jelco for a great price and it'll be a way for me to get some experience installing a new arm.

I run either a Hana SL or a Benz Ruby for a cartridge, depending on the record and my mood. 
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