Using the VPI threaded clamp and azimuth change

It seems impossible to keep the record flat with the washer underneath. The washer holds the LP 1/8" above the platter so, the only way that the LP can make contact with the platter on the outer edges is to dish the LP slightly downward. In my situation the playing surface is always dished downward even if you only lightly tighten the clamp. The playing surface always has a slight rise towards the spindle. I have tried using the clamp without the washer underneath. Due to the built in recess in the classic aluminum platter, this causes the record to dish upward. It only makes sense to me that I need to keep the record surface as flat as possible. I suppose I need to re-adjust my azimuth to account for the dish effect of the VPI clamp system.

I am quite sure I am using my washer and clamp in the correct manner. It still does, and will continue to dish the record every time you tighten it down. It is physically impossible for it to be level when it has this washer acting as a spacer between the record and the platter. I will agree that the clamp, when used in combination with the vpi washer is very effective at removing small warps in records. I have ordered a grungebuster washer from herbies audio that is half as thick as the stock vpi washer. It also has the same outside diameter as well as spindle hole diameter as the VPI stock washer. I will use the herbies washer for the majority of my LPs. When I do have an occasion where I want to play a slightly warped LP, I will then use the VPI washer. Having two different size washers is going to be very useful. I will report back later when I get a chance to try the thinner herbies washer. I am hoping it will keep the record completely flat to the platter when the record isn't warped to begin with. I should have it by middle of next week. Stay tuned.

Andy

I got several new products from herbies audio lab a few days ago. One of them was the new thinner spindle washer. It has the same outside demension and spindle size hole as the stock VPI washer but is about half as thick. It is made from grungebuster material. Grungebuster is more compliant than the VPI rubber washer. This washer works much better for me as I primarily play 180gr and 200gr. new records. They have no warps so, I don't need as much force downward. With the thinner washer, the record is completely flat against the platter when the clamp is tightened. There isn't any dishing effect. It only slightly bends downward when tightening the clamp. Then, when the clamp is tightened the grungebuster washer flattens out and the record becomes one with the platter. It maintains the vacuum seal that the VPI stock washer had. Herbies does make a replacement VPI washer that is listed on the site. This one is too thick. You need to go to grungebuster washers under the metric sizes. The washer size is 32mm outside diameter. It has a 7mm spindle hole and is 1.6mm thick. It only cost $2.29 and was a great improvement for me. It is just the thing for records that have no warps. It keeps them flat against the platter and doesn't dish them. I still use the thicker VPI washer for slightly warped records that need it. Hope this helps someone.

Andy