Refurbish Fidelity Research Tonearms

Dear @dover : As you and other gentlemans, years ago , I used too ( SME IV/V, FR and Ikeda tonearms. ) the VTF set up 50%-50% and sounds good but at the end and through my several tests experienses with all those tonearms the best quality sound performance appears using 100% static VTF set up.

The " best spring is no spring " specially in this application. Even at 50% that spring resonates, as you said is inherent on it.

I made tests too in my other two dynamic balanced designs: MAX282/GST-801. These ones usus no spring for that function so resonances about is not a problem but even that fact I decided to use those tonearms in static balance due that in this way the counteweigth is near the tonearm fulcrim/ bearings and gives not only better control to the tonearm work but seems to me that puts less stress to the bearings closer than far-away from there.

Obviously each one of us choose the best trade-offs to be nearest to our priorities/targets.

R.

@rauliruegas 
Yes I tend to agree, I generally prefer static balance, however I dont think the FR can be 100% static unless the spring is  removed.
As I suggested on some arms in the past I have removed springs for vtf and gained a reasonable improvement in sound quality due to the removal of resonances arising from the springs.

Just wanted to post an update about Richard Mak’s service for my FR-64.  Around the time of this original thread, motivated by Syntax’s positive experience with the refurb, I sent my arm to Richard for cleaning and re-wiring.  My arm was in decent shape and functioning as my favorite arm paired with a Koetsu RSP. As part of the the process, Mr. Mak send pictures of the arm disassembled so you can see the condition of the inside prior to cleaning and re-lubrication.  Richard identified a missing washer in my arm suggesting someone before me had opened up the arm.  I bought it used from “the original owner” in Japan.  Hmmm.  Anyway, he was able to find a replacement washer and sent back the arm after cleaning, re-lubricating and re-wiring from clips to RCAs.

I was very pleased with the results.  Now the update. I recently noticed a position, just out side the area over the platter where the horizontal movement of the arm stuck a little.  I confirmed this with my Wally Skater.  After discussing with Richard and troubleshooting a couple things (like the anti skating mech) I sent the arm back to Richard who is now located in Singapore.  Turned out that the original bearings for the horizontal motion were the culprits. Replaced all the bearings with the ABEC9 and happy to report that the arm has never sounded better.  Richard stood by his original service and I only paid for the new bearing.  
 

Lesson learned? If you are jumping into the vintage arm refurb game, replace the bearings while you are there the first time.

Karl, Thanks for the update.  Where is Richard Mak located?

Found Richard Mak, FWIW.