VPI super platter upgrade with JMW 12.5

This seems like a common problem with Tables, particularly VPI (since they've basically made more Platters than Carter has Pills)

One way I believe it was addressed many years ago, with the HW-19 Models, was the use of the thicker "Super Armboard", thus one was able to attain proper Arm Height without jacking the Arm to the Moon. At this point, with the introduction of Super Platter, VPI should've at the least made an available Spacer suitable for thier JMW Arms.

You could call them, but you may need to resort to a machinst, like I did for my own VPI HW Table. First, I utilized a custom .500" thick Aluminum Spacer, I then eventually went even further, and had a totally new custom Arm Base made that was taller in height, and had better tolerances as well for the Tonearm Mounting Shaft.

Hope others have some ideas, I'm not sure what VPI has in thier inventory of Parts for JMW Arms? Mark

Talk to VPI first and then decide.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think the arm-board is a sensible upgrade that VPI need to make available for the older TNT's. I'll get onto VPI and see if they have any other suggestions. They must have had other queries on this.

Rennie, I ran into this same problem when upgrading my VPI TNT 3.5 a number of years ago. What Markd51 says is accurate. VPI went to a taller arm board when they introduced the TNT 6 version of the turntable about five years ago. With the TNT 6 version of the 'table, VPI went to the taller all-acrylic platters. The new Super Platters are the same height as the all-acrylic platters (i.e., taller than the platters on the Mk. 5 and earlier versions of the TNT).

At the time I upgraded my turntable (about four years ago), VPI was making an acrylic spacer to elevate the height of the arm boards. The spacer is designed to sit in the arm board cutout with the arm board sitting on top of the spacer. The result if to elevate the height of the tonearm by a half-inch or so. I am hoping you will find that VPI still stocks the arm board spacers.

Good luck!

Cincy - now that sounds like a promising option. I've emailed VPI so will post the response. Hopefully the spacers come up trumps

UPDATE ON PROGRESS - Had a quick response from Mike at VPI. They carry a 12mm 'sub arm board' ' as Cincy bob said. Only problem here is that it probably wont allow me to lower the arm so (as pointed out from Mike at VPI). So . . . I've rigged up my own insert with a 5mm sheet of a sign writers display board called Forex. It's very rigid and lightweight and can be cut with a sharp Stanley Knife.

RESULT: Works a treat - mechanically and sound - and gives me the latitude for lowering the arm if I need to. I may have to find some longer fixing bolts as the standard ones are only just long enough. But all-in-all a great outcome thanks to all who contributed.

Thanks