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I just received my clean used Ittok from a UK dealer. I've had a 1984 vintage Lp12 for about 15 years. The only arms I've heard on it are a Basik Plus, Grace 707, and a OL modified Rega. Of those, the Grace sounded best. (I think the Rega was handicapped by the captive tonearm cables that are pretty thick and heavy which made it harder to get the "bounce" right.)
Here's my (first) question about the Ittok. The rubber grommet inside the counterweight is a VERY tight fit over the back of the arm. (This has the one-piece counterweight.) I don't want to apply much force getting it on and adjusted for fear of messing up the bearings. It's also hard to imagine making the fine adjustments to it to get the zero balance before applying tracking force with the dial.
Would it make sense to us a drop of mineral oil (or some lubricant) to get the counterweight on without applying so much force.
Thanks very much!
Sam
Follow Ups:
I would consider using a thin layer of _pure_ silicone lubricant that should be available in the plumbing department. Silicone shouldn't deteriorate most elastomers. There is very little longitudinal force on the counterweight so unwanted movement seems very unlikely.
Mike
Depending on the composition of the "rubber" grommet any the lubricant used, it could quickly destroy the grommet. Think condoms and oil-based lube. If you must use a lubricant, consider spit or the personal stuff. Or maybe some graphite powder.
"Writing about music is like dancing about architecture." ― Thelonious Sphere Monk
Cpwill
That's all good to consider. What do you think about a drop of dishwashing liquid as the dealer recommends?
I'm not a chemist, but can safely say, "It depends." Whats is the dish-washing liquid and what is the grommet made of? But,I bet the answer is in the linked chart (6 pages)
"Writing about music is like dancing about architecture." ― Thelonious Sphere Monk
Cpwill
Wow. That's a lot of info. Thanks! I think a tiny dab of silicone (like Armorall) is probably the way to go.
Thanks again.
After posting the question here, I ask the dealer who sold the arm. He said he usually puts a drop of dishwashing liquid on the rear shaft and suggests holding the shaft while moving the counterweight to protect the bearings.
The fit is really very, very tight. The rubber may have hardened a bit with time. Otherwise, aside from the usual cartridge screw marks, the arm is really pristine looking. (I suppose it's about 30 years old, right?)
" (I suppose it's about 30 years old, right?)"
If it is an Ittok LVIII yes, but if an LVII you can add on up to a decade.
"We need less, but better" - Dieter Rams
My instinct tells me not to lubricate it. If you have too much play, it'll be harder to turn it in minute increments to dial it in, no? Seems like it would be too easy to OVER turn it. Also, lubricated it might slip out of adjustment too easily.
Enjoy. What cartridge will you put on it?
Hello. I'll probably be using either a Dynavector 20x2L or a Hana SL.
I used Ittoks on my old LP12 for around 15 years from the original version's launch.
I agree with His Grace below and always rotated the counterweight when placing it on the arm and in finding neutral balance. No lubrication was ever needed.
"We need less, but better" - Dieter Rams
Mine's a firm fit but if you rotate as you apply it to the stub it goes on OK and I'm able to get it to balance as well. Never thought about lube in this context!
Regards,
13DoW
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