VM 1200 series tonearm pressure

[electra225]

How light of a tonearm pressure can you use on a VM 1200 series changer and expect the changer to cycle?

[William]

I have found a lot depends on the cartridge and whether you are playing stereo or mono records.

Bill

[Ken Doyle]

The original 1200 was rated 8 to 10 grams, but it will do 6 grams when all is clean and right. The later stereo changers had an aluminum trip lever, for example, the Zenith 2G version of the VM 1200 design which would easily do 3 grams.

[electra225]

According to this, the GE C-100 ceramic cartridges I have track at 3 grams with a 350 MV output. I have three VM 1200 series changers that use this cartridge with the "Custom" tone arm, which looks like a plow, but it surprisingly light. I like how this cartridge sounds.

https://www.turntableneedles.com/genera ... -g.e.-c100

[Ken Doyle]

The GE C100 cartridges were quite good. Do the VM 1200 changers in question have the aluminum trip link rather than the original style steel one?

[electra225]

I need to look and see what they have in the way of trip levers. The C100 cartridge has what looks to be a metal strap that probably needs to be removed to change the needle. I've been trying to find "How to" information on changing the needles, but haven't found anything yet. Suggestions?

I am such a chicken when it comes to messing with changers, even doing something as simple as needle replacement. Record changers are on my list of things, along with two cycle engines and guitar amps, that I tend to kill when I tinker with them. I may talk a good game, but when the rubber meets the road, I get weak in the knees.....

[Ken Doyle]

Yes, remove the strap / clip, otherwise it's just like replacing a typical flip-needle.

[electra225]

Thanks, Ken, that helps.....