The tonearm adjustment screw is a small, but important, part of a turntable. It is used to adjust the tracking force of the tonearm, which is the amount of pressure that the stylus applies to the record groove. The tracking force is important because it helps to prevent the stylus from skipping and damaging the record.
The tonearm adjustment screw is usually located on the back of the tonearm, near the counterweight. It is a small, threaded screw that can be turned with a screwdriver. The direction that you turn the screw will determine whether the tracking force is increased or decreased.
To adjust the tracking force, you will need to know the recommended tracking force for your cartridge. This information can be found in the cartridge’s documentation. Once you know the recommended tracking force, you can use the tonearm adjustment screw to adjust the tracking force accordingly.
To adjust the tracking force, follow these steps:
- Locate the tonearm adjustment screw.
- Insert a screwdriver into the screw and turn it clockwise to increase the tracking force or counterclockwise to decrease the tracking force.
- Turn the screw in small increments and check the tracking force after each adjustment.
- Once you have reached the desired tracking force, tighten the screw.
It is important to note that the tracking force should be adjusted with the turntable turned off. This will prevent the stylus from moving and damaging the record.
The tonearm adjustment screw is a simple, but important, part of a turntable. By adjusting the tracking force, you can help to prevent your records from skipping and damaging.
Here are some additional tips for adjusting the tonearm adjustment screw:
- Use a small, Phillips head screwdriver. A larger screwdriver can damage the screw.
- Be careful not to overtighten the screw. This can damage the tonearm.
- If you are not sure how to adjust the tracking force, consult the turntable’s manual.
By following these tips, you can safely and effectively adjust the tonearm adjustment screw on your turntable.