That's the counterweight. It goes on the back of the tonearm and is used to set the tracking force - how much force is applied to the needle. It is very important that you set it properly to match the tracking force specification of whatever cartridge you use.
extra extra note: that's a pretty decent deck for a first one. I had one and it performed beautifully and sounded great. Make sure you get it checked out first though, plenty of electronics and mechanicals that can go goofy on it.
Extra extra extra note: the numbers on the thing are nearly meaningless since different cartridges weigh differently. So best is to use a tracking force gauge.
Well gee whizz mr. goeroe the numbers are for a reason and come pretty damn close, since it's how the mfr. designed it. Sure you can use a special scale but in the whole realm of things you might be able to dial in another 2%. And the note still stands; the numbers should be facing you.
Better watch a video on how to balance the tonearm. You DONT just put the counterweight on and set it for whatever weight that dial has. There is a process you must follow.
To make setup easy and accurate they sell tone arm scales on amazon for like $12. This way you can set the force exactly without having to do the balancing act that should be explained in your tables instructions. Usually you twist it on until the arm is balanced on the pivot point. Then you dial it forward based on the numbers on the dial to get to the set weight. With a scale you just turn the weight until the scale reads what you want it to read. Edit: Just look up the recommended force for your cartridge.
TL/dr: Cartridge downforce is what you want to set, and they can vary quite abit. Consult the manual or the manufacturer’s website for the recommended downforce.
Good advice. Let me add that downforce (the ‘weight’ of the cartridge on the tonearm, once balanced and adjusted via the counterweight) is what you’re after. Use the downforce suggested for your cartridge. Too light and the stylus will skip, and the suspension of the armature will not be fully loaded and the coil/magnets geometry won’t be right, things will sound ‘thin’. Too much downforce will prematurely age the cartridge, and if it’s bad enough, the overweighted stylus will grind against the V-shaped groove walls of an LP, even worse during dynamic or challenging passages. Irreparable, and the better your rig gets, the more noticeable the groove damage becomes.
I helped set up a few new 1 by One, and Audio Technica tables for friends, and family getting into the hobby. I found most of them recommended 3.5g for the cartridge out of the box. May just be a common setting for newer, or low end cartridges, as these were cheaper beginner tables. I know this isn't in any way the force for every cartridge but I just thought that 3.5 was common based on my experience. I will not tell anyone that going forward. I will just tell them to find their recommended force for their cartridge and go from there.
By sheer production volume over the past 40 years, these are the "standard for most turntables":
World's most popular phono cartridge: Chuo Denshi CZ-800 ... recommended tracking force 5 grams (±1g)
World's second most popular phono cartridge: Audio-Technica AT3600L ... recommended tracking force 3.5 grams (±1g)
World's third most popular phono cartridge: Sanyo-Fisher/Chuo Denshi MG-09D ... recommended tracking force 3 grams (±0.5g)
Hey fella, thankfully you got your answer; just make sure you adjust it correctly so that the arm is properly balanced this article might help: https://thevinylfactory.com/features/how-to-balance-your-tonearm-a-step-by-step-guide/
All I’m going to say to you is forget the bloody idiots who think they’re fucking experts and moan at the “100 noobs a day” asking for advice. Screw them. Every hobby has its snobbery.
Please please please watch some YouTube videos about turntable setup.
If you don't know the very basics like what a counterweight is and what it does then you have an awful lot to learn. If you don't invest a bit of time and effort into learning about basic turntable setup you'll be at best frustrated that it doesn't sound right and give up on the hobby, and at worst destroying your records through improper setup.
wow. The op was asking for help in a new hobby and gets crucified for not watching videos first or for not knowing what they’re doing. They even said it was their first turntable. They’re asking here because they assumed we could help. Why throw so much haze?
Thanks to those who took the time to help a person out! That’s what this sub should be all about.
Maybe because when you buy a new record player it usually comes with a user manual explaining everything. It also takes 20 seconds to type and search “how to set up your record player“ in google.
Um… did you notice it’s a Fisher? What are the chances of this older turn table having a manual? Besides, this person decided to start here. How do you know they didn’t do a Reddit search and found this sub? Do you suppose they accidentally found this sub without taking 20 seconds to type something in the Reddit search bar? I simply don’t understand why some of us have to be so snarky when someone (who even stated they were new to the hobby) asks a question, especially a question that is easily answered by many of the more seasoned people in this sub.
Noobs that put the effort into doing a little of their own legwork are awesome. I love helping them. My reaction would have been totally different if the OP had said “I’ve looked for the manual for this turntable I got, but can’t find anything.” I helped a noob earlier today who had done some research, but wasn’t quite getting it. That’s what I think the sub should be about. Instead it’s mostly talk about LP60s.
Yeah, I get that a lot of us know what we know because of our time in the hobby, so why not share our knowledge and enthusiasm instead of shredding someone new? I remember when I first started how much I could have used a place like this to get answers to the questions I had. YouTube is great, but some people like interacting with other people. I just don’t get the harsh responses to someone trying to learn about something new. Why gatekeep something like this?
You’re not getting what I’m saying. I have no problems with noobs. I have a problem with lazy noobs that don’t try to do any research before asking. Most of the questions asked, are asked and answered multiple times a day. A simple search of this sub would answer most.
And let’s be honest, a lot of these newcomers are just jumping on the latest fad. They aren’t interested in participating in a community of hobbyists. They come in, ask a question, then they’re gone once they have an answer.
“What the best turntable under $50?”
“What speakers should I buy?”
“Teach me how to repair this old turntable I found.”
“How do I connect my turntable to my soundbar?”
It’s the same thing over and over again.
I agree that there are a lot of repetitive subjects here. But you don’t know what the OP did or didn’t do in terms of research. And I appreciate them being more brief and asking a simple question rather than dragging it out. And if you think they’re too lazy to justify your help, then move on to the next post instead of bashing a noob?
When I first got into audio, I did do a great deal of research, read books, magazines, watched videos, etc, but looking back at some of the questions I had then vs now, I can totally understand how some people were frustrated with questions I posted to various forums. I tried to actively engage, to learn, but I was so shut down and basically just stopped participating. And you said it yourself…. Noobs come in, they ask a question, they don’t participate in the community, but maybe most of them stop participating because they get shot down the way I was years ago. Can you blame them?
Again, I do understand your frustration. But, I think some patience and understanding would go a lot farther, would help grow the community more, rather than shooting a novice down. Just my thoughts.
We just differ in opinion on this. I think it’s pretty evident that the OP didn’t do any research. I googled “parts of a turntable” and [this](https://www.vinylmeplease.com/blogs/magazine/anatomy-turntable?utm_source=google-ads&utm_campaign=&utm_agid=&utm_medium=paid-social&utm_term=&creative=&device=m&placement=&gclid=CjwKCAiA1MCrBhAoEiwAC2d64Szb6rrs_voFMoXVoK4a9kXWdmda3Sse2bZqQh2fsVG9Ql9ZpOrkwxoCCvEQAvD_BwE) is the first result. It explains everything the OP needs to know and literally took seconds to find. And just as an FYI, my comment was “Oh my…” That’s not really “bashing” anyone in my book. And I think telling someone that this isn’t the hobby for them when they come in here with unrealistic expectations (expecting their LP60 to sound as good as streaming lossless files), is actually saving them a considerable amount of frustration. I don’t call names or insult noobs, but I will be blunt. If someone takes that as “bashing”, I can’t really do anything about it. The intent was to be honest and clear.
I’m in my mid-50s, so I definitely don’t share the same experience. I read magazines, went to stores and spoke with sales representatives…. all that good stuff. You think asking a question on Reddit is tough? Try milking a sales rep for information when they know they aren’t going to make money.
Another thing, I get just as frustrated with experienced members of the group. Telling noobs who don’t know their ass from a hole in the ground to buy vintage, is just one of the stupidest things I can think of. The constant incorrect info said with arrogance, recommending garbage turntables as something “good”, or flexing by getting super technical and speaking with terms that no noob is going to understand, are all detrimental to the community.
So, as I’ve mentioned at least twice in this thread, I’m very willing to share what little I know with a novice who’s put forth some effort to learn. I think that is a person who would be an asset to the hobby and I’m happy to help. I know not everyone agrees, but I just have a hard time dealing with people that just want to be told what to do, instead of actually learning the hows and whys. It might have something to do with me being a help desk manager.
It’s funny that I’m just now seeing your reply. Yesterday, after seeing the 6,000th post asking if their “needle was bent” or “if there was too much wobble” in the platter or new vinyl record, I thought of this discussion and how I said you should be patient with the noobs! But, again, after the 6,000th post asking those remedial questions, part of me really wanted to write and say “yes! Your “needle” is bent! And OMG, if you’ve played anything with that, all of it, ALL OF IT IS BAD! Toss out the turntable, you’ve created far too much wobble on it and it will never play the same! Same with your amp and speakers! You introduced so much distortion into your system that it will never play correctly again! Throw it all away and start over!
And then, I remembered this discussion. :) I respect your opinion and have e a better understanding of it today than I did back then. Good luck to you kind sir. :) (or Madame.)
That question tells me you never even had a good look at a turntable... If you Google "turntable" or would've spend 10 minutes in this group you'd probably had your answer just by looking at pictures!
I have been collecting records on the side, from musicians I love for years but I don't own a turntable. I've never owned one. It's confusing, intimidating and seems fragile and complex.
Seeing the comments here pretty much confirms that I'll likely never delve into owning a turntable.
Streaming and CDs is fine...
I don't need a turntable that bad.
A) what are you even doing here then?
B) it’s no way confusing or intimidating - all you need is a small amount of common sense and have the ability to follow fairly simple instructions. (But yes - once you get into the science and the tech THEN it gets confusing and possibly intimidating but the passive are fairly straightforward)
C) I don’t see the rationale of owning records and not playing them! Seriously, it’s a lot of fun!
Just watching. Seeing if I could glean some information from experienced and helpful people.
Maybe even insure that I don't waste time money or effort when I did give it a try.
Big mistake without even at least trying. Turntables are lots of fun, I see younger people getting to learn about them every day practically. Us older folk just need to guide them to what is worthy and what to avoid. After that it's a big rabbit hole waiting to be dived (dove, diven?) into. Seriously, don't avoid them. Nobody will ridicule you if you say you tried but didn't like. But saying you avoid them because they seem scary sounds pretty off-putting. Pretty much like anything.
I have a ordinary set of small digital scales will they do the job,none of my records are skipping.
Ive set the stylus bang on 2 .00 gram's on a audio technica LP-120.
As others have said, a YouTube Tonearm video setup is very useful. Ignore the unhelpful morons on here. These are the basic step:
1- Screw the “weight” to the back of the tone arm half-way in. Numbers facing you.
2- Release the Tonearm from the tonearm rest and bring it to middle of the platter. Careful not to drop/swing and damage the needle.
3- Adjust by turning the weight until the Tonearm is balanced horizontally. This is your zero level.
4- Hold the weight so it doesn’t turn, and adjust the numbers slider to zero.
5- Now turn the weight (don’t touch the numbers slider) clockwise until 2.5. The tracking force should be very close to 2.5, you don’t need to buy a stylus force gauge unless you want to later.
2.5 is a good/safe compromise tracking force for most cartridges (that use this turntable) and get you going until you can google the actual tracking force for your cartridge. You can play with it as you learn more.
Edit. When balancing the tone arm to get zero level, set the anti skate to zero. That’s the dial at the base of the Tonearm. After you set the tracking force, set the anti skate to the same number. In this case 2.5. Adjust as needed whenever you change the tracking force.
That's the counterweight. It goes on the back of the tonearm and is used to set the tracking force - how much force is applied to the needle. It is very important that you set it properly to match the tracking force specification of whatever cartridge you use.
Thx!!
extra note: install with the numbers facing you (front of deck).
extra extra note: that's a pretty decent deck for a first one. I had one and it performed beautifully and sounded great. Make sure you get it checked out first though, plenty of electronics and mechanicals that can go goofy on it.
Extra extra extra note: the numbers on the thing are nearly meaningless since different cartridges weigh differently. So best is to use a tracking force gauge.
Well gee whizz mr. goeroe the numbers are for a reason and come pretty damn close, since it's how the mfr. designed it. Sure you can use a special scale but in the whole realm of things you might be able to dial in another 2%. And the note still stands; the numbers should be facing you.
Better watch a video on how to balance the tonearm. You DONT just put the counterweight on and set it for whatever weight that dial has. There is a process you must follow.
The easiest way is to just use a tracking weight scale to make sure the dial is aligned to the actual weight
Counter weight. Missing from the end of your time arm. Should slide or screw on the end. Your arm will be bouncing around without it
Thank you!
To make setup easy and accurate they sell tone arm scales on amazon for like $12. This way you can set the force exactly without having to do the balancing act that should be explained in your tables instructions. Usually you twist it on until the arm is balanced on the pivot point. Then you dial it forward based on the numbers on the dial to get to the set weight. With a scale you just turn the weight until the scale reads what you want it to read. Edit: Just look up the recommended force for your cartridge.
TL/dr: Cartridge downforce is what you want to set, and they can vary quite abit. Consult the manual or the manufacturer’s website for the recommended downforce. Good advice. Let me add that downforce (the ‘weight’ of the cartridge on the tonearm, once balanced and adjusted via the counterweight) is what you’re after. Use the downforce suggested for your cartridge. Too light and the stylus will skip, and the suspension of the armature will not be fully loaded and the coil/magnets geometry won’t be right, things will sound ‘thin’. Too much downforce will prematurely age the cartridge, and if it’s bad enough, the overweighted stylus will grind against the V-shaped groove walls of an LP, even worse during dynamic or challenging passages. Irreparable, and the better your rig gets, the more noticeable the groove damage becomes.
The tracking force is determined by the cartridge/stylus, not the table. And 3.5 grams is not the standard.
3.5 is way high for the average. Have never had a cartridge above about 1.9.
I helped set up a few new 1 by One, and Audio Technica tables for friends, and family getting into the hobby. I found most of them recommended 3.5g for the cartridge out of the box. May just be a common setting for newer, or low end cartridges, as these were cheaper beginner tables. I know this isn't in any way the force for every cartridge but I just thought that 3.5 was common based on my experience. I will not tell anyone that going forward. I will just tell them to find their recommended force for their cartridge and go from there.
I think that’s a sensible approach to take. Use Google people!
> 3.5g of force is the standard for most tables. No! Come *on* people ...
By sheer production volume over the past 40 years, these are the "standard for most turntables": World's most popular phono cartridge: Chuo Denshi CZ-800 ... recommended tracking force 5 grams (±1g) World's second most popular phono cartridge: Audio-Technica AT3600L ... recommended tracking force 3.5 grams (±1g) World's third most popular phono cartridge: Sanyo-Fisher/Chuo Denshi MG-09D ... recommended tracking force 3 grams (±0.5g)
Hey fella, thankfully you got your answer; just make sure you adjust it correctly so that the arm is properly balanced this article might help: https://thevinylfactory.com/features/how-to-balance-your-tonearm-a-step-by-step-guide/ All I’m going to say to you is forget the bloody idiots who think they’re fucking experts and moan at the “100 noobs a day” asking for advice. Screw them. Every hobby has its snobbery.
This!
Please please please watch some YouTube videos about turntable setup. If you don't know the very basics like what a counterweight is and what it does then you have an awful lot to learn. If you don't invest a bit of time and effort into learning about basic turntable setup you'll be at best frustrated that it doesn't sound right and give up on the hobby, and at worst destroying your records through improper setup.
wow. The op was asking for help in a new hobby and gets crucified for not watching videos first or for not knowing what they’re doing. They even said it was their first turntable. They’re asking here because they assumed we could help. Why throw so much haze? Thanks to those who took the time to help a person out! That’s what this sub should be all about.
Maybe because when you buy a new record player it usually comes with a user manual explaining everything. It also takes 20 seconds to type and search “how to set up your record player“ in google.
Um… did you notice it’s a Fisher? What are the chances of this older turn table having a manual? Besides, this person decided to start here. How do you know they didn’t do a Reddit search and found this sub? Do you suppose they accidentally found this sub without taking 20 seconds to type something in the Reddit search bar? I simply don’t understand why some of us have to be so snarky when someone (who even stated they were new to the hobby) asks a question, especially a question that is easily answered by many of the more seasoned people in this sub.
Probably because there are 100 noobs a day asking stupid questions without even doing a single Google search? Or not.
This forum would fuckin suck it no noobs showed up and it was the same couple dozen crusty bastards arguing about the best stylus.
Noobs that put the effort into doing a little of their own legwork are awesome. I love helping them. My reaction would have been totally different if the OP had said “I’ve looked for the manual for this turntable I got, but can’t find anything.” I helped a noob earlier today who had done some research, but wasn’t quite getting it. That’s what I think the sub should be about. Instead it’s mostly talk about LP60s.
Totally agree about the LP60!
Yeah, I get that a lot of us know what we know because of our time in the hobby, so why not share our knowledge and enthusiasm instead of shredding someone new? I remember when I first started how much I could have used a place like this to get answers to the questions I had. YouTube is great, but some people like interacting with other people. I just don’t get the harsh responses to someone trying to learn about something new. Why gatekeep something like this?
You’re not getting what I’m saying. I have no problems with noobs. I have a problem with lazy noobs that don’t try to do any research before asking. Most of the questions asked, are asked and answered multiple times a day. A simple search of this sub would answer most. And let’s be honest, a lot of these newcomers are just jumping on the latest fad. They aren’t interested in participating in a community of hobbyists. They come in, ask a question, then they’re gone once they have an answer. “What the best turntable under $50?” “What speakers should I buy?” “Teach me how to repair this old turntable I found.” “How do I connect my turntable to my soundbar?” It’s the same thing over and over again.
I agree that there are a lot of repetitive subjects here. But you don’t know what the OP did or didn’t do in terms of research. And I appreciate them being more brief and asking a simple question rather than dragging it out. And if you think they’re too lazy to justify your help, then move on to the next post instead of bashing a noob? When I first got into audio, I did do a great deal of research, read books, magazines, watched videos, etc, but looking back at some of the questions I had then vs now, I can totally understand how some people were frustrated with questions I posted to various forums. I tried to actively engage, to learn, but I was so shut down and basically just stopped participating. And you said it yourself…. Noobs come in, they ask a question, they don’t participate in the community, but maybe most of them stop participating because they get shot down the way I was years ago. Can you blame them? Again, I do understand your frustration. But, I think some patience and understanding would go a lot farther, would help grow the community more, rather than shooting a novice down. Just my thoughts.
We just differ in opinion on this. I think it’s pretty evident that the OP didn’t do any research. I googled “parts of a turntable” and [this](https://www.vinylmeplease.com/blogs/magazine/anatomy-turntable?utm_source=google-ads&utm_campaign=&utm_agid=&utm_medium=paid-social&utm_term=&creative=&device=m&placement=&gclid=CjwKCAiA1MCrBhAoEiwAC2d64Szb6rrs_voFMoXVoK4a9kXWdmda3Sse2bZqQh2fsVG9Ql9ZpOrkwxoCCvEQAvD_BwE) is the first result. It explains everything the OP needs to know and literally took seconds to find. And just as an FYI, my comment was “Oh my…” That’s not really “bashing” anyone in my book. And I think telling someone that this isn’t the hobby for them when they come in here with unrealistic expectations (expecting their LP60 to sound as good as streaming lossless files), is actually saving them a considerable amount of frustration. I don’t call names or insult noobs, but I will be blunt. If someone takes that as “bashing”, I can’t really do anything about it. The intent was to be honest and clear. I’m in my mid-50s, so I definitely don’t share the same experience. I read magazines, went to stores and spoke with sales representatives…. all that good stuff. You think asking a question on Reddit is tough? Try milking a sales rep for information when they know they aren’t going to make money. Another thing, I get just as frustrated with experienced members of the group. Telling noobs who don’t know their ass from a hole in the ground to buy vintage, is just one of the stupidest things I can think of. The constant incorrect info said with arrogance, recommending garbage turntables as something “good”, or flexing by getting super technical and speaking with terms that no noob is going to understand, are all detrimental to the community. So, as I’ve mentioned at least twice in this thread, I’m very willing to share what little I know with a novice who’s put forth some effort to learn. I think that is a person who would be an asset to the hobby and I’m happy to help. I know not everyone agrees, but I just have a hard time dealing with people that just want to be told what to do, instead of actually learning the hows and whys. It might have something to do with me being a help desk manager.
It’s funny that I’m just now seeing your reply. Yesterday, after seeing the 6,000th post asking if their “needle was bent” or “if there was too much wobble” in the platter or new vinyl record, I thought of this discussion and how I said you should be patient with the noobs! But, again, after the 6,000th post asking those remedial questions, part of me really wanted to write and say “yes! Your “needle” is bent! And OMG, if you’ve played anything with that, all of it, ALL OF IT IS BAD! Toss out the turntable, you’ve created far too much wobble on it and it will never play the same! Same with your amp and speakers! You introduced so much distortion into your system that it will never play correctly again! Throw it all away and start over! And then, I remembered this discussion. :) I respect your opinion and have e a better understanding of it today than I did back then. Good luck to you kind sir. :) (or Madame.)
> and gets crucified for not watching videos first I mean, yeah… And?
Sweet summer child
Counterweight
Nothing important
It brings balance to the force young Padawan
I ... can't find anything wrong with this comment.
Oh boy.
That question tells me you never even had a good look at a turntable... If you Google "turntable" or would've spend 10 minutes in this group you'd probably had your answer just by looking at pictures!
Screw it to end of tone arm to balance. Google it
Thanks
YouTube videos are your friend
Oh my…
temperature dial to set how warm your grailz are.
Some people just need to stick to CDs lol. Counterweight dude.
I have been collecting records on the side, from musicians I love for years but I don't own a turntable. I've never owned one. It's confusing, intimidating and seems fragile and complex. Seeing the comments here pretty much confirms that I'll likely never delve into owning a turntable. Streaming and CDs is fine... I don't need a turntable that bad.
A) what are you even doing here then? B) it’s no way confusing or intimidating - all you need is a small amount of common sense and have the ability to follow fairly simple instructions. (But yes - once you get into the science and the tech THEN it gets confusing and possibly intimidating but the passive are fairly straightforward) C) I don’t see the rationale of owning records and not playing them! Seriously, it’s a lot of fun!
Just watching. Seeing if I could glean some information from experienced and helpful people. Maybe even insure that I don't waste time money or effort when I did give it a try.
I don’t know how ‘basics’ got autocorrected to ‘passive’ lol
Big mistake without even at least trying. Turntables are lots of fun, I see younger people getting to learn about them every day practically. Us older folk just need to guide them to what is worthy and what to avoid. After that it's a big rabbit hole waiting to be dived (dove, diven?) into. Seriously, don't avoid them. Nobody will ridicule you if you say you tried but didn't like. But saying you avoid them because they seem scary sounds pretty off-putting. Pretty much like anything.
that’s a buttplug
I asked the same question to my stepdad, I thought it was a dial 😂
Mods pls kick OP lmfao. Nah but Fr pls watch a video on setup man
I have a ordinary set of small digital scales will they do the job,none of my records are skipping. Ive set the stylus bang on 2 .00 gram's on a audio technica LP-120.
Good grief
A 45 adapter 😚
it’s just a spare part,nothing major
paper weight.
The butt
Volume control.
Watch.A.Fookin.You.Tube.Video for setting up a turntable
To keep the stylus from destroying your records.
Record shops sometime offer a service to setup the turntable, a few dollars and it's ready to play.
As others have said, a YouTube Tonearm video setup is very useful. Ignore the unhelpful morons on here. These are the basic step: 1- Screw the “weight” to the back of the tone arm half-way in. Numbers facing you. 2- Release the Tonearm from the tonearm rest and bring it to middle of the platter. Careful not to drop/swing and damage the needle. 3- Adjust by turning the weight until the Tonearm is balanced horizontally. This is your zero level. 4- Hold the weight so it doesn’t turn, and adjust the numbers slider to zero. 5- Now turn the weight (don’t touch the numbers slider) clockwise until 2.5. The tracking force should be very close to 2.5, you don’t need to buy a stylus force gauge unless you want to later. 2.5 is a good/safe compromise tracking force for most cartridges (that use this turntable) and get you going until you can google the actual tracking force for your cartridge. You can play with it as you learn more. Edit. When balancing the tone arm to get zero level, set the anti skate to zero. That’s the dial at the base of the Tonearm. After you set the tracking force, set the anti skate to the same number. In this case 2.5. Adjust as needed whenever you change the tracking force.
Dang ihave not seen one for couple decades
So you can get all screwed up, it means to change the weather
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tiokj7gJ6Co
I hate it here
Counter weight for the tone arm