See sig \/

When you buy the needle, it will tell you how much force it recommends.
I've always used a letter scale (the thing that some people use to weigh out bags of weed) and I simply use the clip on the scale to clip it to the handle on the stylus and adjust the counterweight until it comes out to around 3.5 grams.
Of course this always feels a little to light, so in the end, I just adjust it until "it feels right."
When I put my needles on at clubs and stuff, I'm not going to sit there and weigh it all out with a scale.... it's more or less 'a feel.'

I'd imagine people who do a lot of scratching will need more weight so that the needle does not fly out of the groove. But too much weight can wear out the needle, the records, as well as make it sound bad.

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Originally posted by Andy LaStrange maybe im doing something wrong... it doesnt work for me *goes back to reading your page*

I can't make it work completely either. I'm with you till point 9/10.

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If you are using Stanton Cartridges: Turn the whole weight clockwise (numbered ring included) until the numbered ring reads 4

Do you mean counterclockwise? Cause if I turn the whole weight clockwise, then the tonearm will just hang high above the platter. And it doesn't read 4 on my techs 1210 MK2. It's 3,5, and then 0. So does that mean back to 0 again?

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Turn the anti-skate wheel so that it reads the same as your tonearm weight setting (i.e. 3 or 4).

My anti-skate wheel only goes to 3


Hope you can clear this up for me

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Uncredible Haak on Soundcloud
Uncredible Haak - September 2008 mix

quote:

Originally posted by Haak Do you mean counterclockwise? Cause if I turn the whole weight clockwise, then the tonearm will just hang high above the platter.

It's quite possible that I mean counter-clockwise. Turn it so that the weight comes towards you.

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And it doesn't read 4 on my techs 1210 MK2. It's 3,5, and then 0. So does that mean back to 0 again?

Not too tough to work this one out... 4 would be half-way between 3 and 5.

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My anti-skate wheel only goes to 3

I believe that it actually goes up to 4, but the 4 isn't marked. If you have a weight of 4 or more (which you really shouldn't) then set it to maximum.

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Hope you can clear this up for me

Hope I have done.

I meant 3.5, but I think I've worked it out now. Your guide was very helpful, thanks

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Uncredible Haak on Soundcloud
Uncredible Haak - September 2008 mix

I keep my weight @ 2.2 or so, and I'm trying to go even lower as soon as I get used to my curent weight because I don't wanna fuck my records up (static and shit...)

Peace

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Tom

2.2g may be a bit low. If you are using Stantons, then with 2.2g i'm surprised you can even play the record without the needle jumping eveywhere. If you are usign Ortofon's then you probably aren't getting the best sound quality out of them and you are maknig it harder for yourself to mix. I think the reccommended weight for Ortofon's (as stated in the guide leaflet thing you get in the box) is 3g to get the best sound and life out of them. Obviously if you use less weight then the needles will last that little bit longer, but you will lose out on sound quality and ease of cueing up.