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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.
128x128simao
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,553 posts
 
If you are going the Jelco route, get the 850. It is far better for not much more money.
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,750 posts
 
@imhififan Thanks for that! That's exactly what I needed to know. And @noromance, thank you as well.
hdm
1,056 posts
 
I would plan on buying a new armboard as well if you are going this route. 

The FT3's mounting distance and bolt pattern are both different from the 9 inch Jelcos, which use a Linn mount and have a 214 pivot to spindle (as opposed to the 221 for the FT3).

I've owned and used both arms, as well as a Jelco SA-250, which shares geometry with the 9 inch 750D and newer 9" Jelcos. 
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,134 posts
 
the 9 inch Jelcos, which use a Linn mount and have a 214 pivot to spindle
@hdm , thanks for the clarification, 240mm pivot to spindle is for 10" jelcos!

simao's avatar
simao OP
1,750 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?

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