Record Weights vs Clamps

[Rust]

I have several comparatively inexpensive turntables and a variety or record weights. I've always been somewhat concerned that record weights may cause accelerated wear on turntable bearings where the bearing may not have been designed to support additional weight.

My old Well Tempered came with a screw down record clamp which doesn't weigh a lot as it is a polymer of some sort. It definitely works well. I wonder why more manufacturers do not offer a threaded spindle at least as an option.

[Bill Hart]

I had one of the early Well-Tempereds, and it was a great amount of performance for the money, back when there wasn't the huge range of alternatives we now have (think about it- more turntables and tonearms now than during the height of the vinyl record). I tweaked the poop out of it; upgraded motor, different platter, a heavy clamp around the fluid cup, different arm tube (i think), maybe some other stuff I don't remember now.
To the question, dunno. One issue with screw down clamps is obviously torque. And how much. When I used them, I'd crank them, then back off a bit. Not easy to do when you let the platter keep spinning, but possible. The screw down clamp that came with my Kuzma XL is actually heavier than the Stillpoints LP 1 I've been using for the last several years. But, for lightweight suspended turntables, you are right. I think there was a whole thing about changing springs/suspension settings on the Oracle to accommodate an aftermarket weight/clamp.
I'm trying to think whether those lighter, suspended tables are now less common. Many tables I can think of are high mass or direct drive. And there seems to be a decent aftermarket for semi-expensive weights and clamps. Is the thread on the spindle of tables a standard? I had one clamp that attached by pushing a button at the top to open the "jaws" of the thing so it gripped the spindle and used it on my old SP-10.

[Rust]

Bill - I was thinking more in line of whether or no the heavier weight caused premature wear on the bearings rather than the issue of rebalancing a suspended table but you make a good point.

[allenh]

I have friends who swear by the Shun Mooks record clamp. And I don't think they are too heavy, albeit pricey.

[Bill Hart]

I'd say two albeits on that one!

[Bill Hart]

Bill - I was thinking more in line of whether or no the heavier weight caused premature wear on the bearings rather than the issue of rebalancing a suspended table but you make a good point.

Yep, I gotcha, I was just thinking why the heavier ones are more common- your point, i guess, is even with a massy table or unsuspended one, yer potentially doing damage, right?
I did ask Franc about the Stillpoints before I switched from the heavier screw down factory clamp- he suggested the ebony clamp offered by Kuzma. Not quite as expensive as the Shun Mook.

[Rob]

I have friends who swear by the Shun Mooks record clamp. And I don't think they are too heavy, albeit pricey.

the owner of a Forsell Air Reference 'table and I did a shootout between 3 clamps. We compared the heavy brass Forsell clamp vs the Goldmund (polymer) vs the Shun mook all three have locking collets. I entered the session somewhat skeptical that I'd hear what he claimed was going on. The Goldmund did make a noticeable improvement over the Forsell, it really surprised me. The Shun Mook was no better than the Forsell . Examining the Shun Mook closely, IMO I couldn't see what your three grands goes to.

[allenh]

I agree, Rob. Crazy money for what you get.

[Garth]

I am going with this record weight if I can find one email me if you have it just name your price

[Garth]

[Garth]

not going to post picture oh well myles email me I can forward it to you