Simple, Affordable, Easy to Use Stylus Force Gauge
The Ortofon Stylus Force Gauge is simple but highly effective budget-price tool for turntables that is used to determine the stylus tracking force. It is a small plastic pivot-type scale that will accurately measure tracking force between 1.25 grams and 4 grams.
The tracking force is the downward pressure that is applied by the weight of the tonearm through the cartridge stylus and onto the vinyl record. It is important to set the proper tracking force in order to maximize the playback performance and to reduce the risk of mistracking or causing excessive record wear.
Check your phono cartridge for the manufacturer’s recommended settings for your stylus tracking force.
Simple to Use
The Ortofon Stylus Force Gauge is simple to use. No batteries or electrical power of any kind are needed, and there are no confusing read-outs to interpret. Everything is straightforward and user friendly, and it only takes a few minutes to set you stylus force correctly.
Here’s how it works. Very gently, rest the cartridge stylus (needle) into the grooved guide track at the desired tracking force marking (as recommended by your cartridge manufacturer). The scale on the force gauge is marked in grams. Then, adjust the counter-weight or pressure dials on your turntable’s tonearm until the Ortofon pivot scale is in balance.
That’s it! That’s all there is to it. You’re ready to listen to music now with full confidence that you have set your stylus tracking force correctly.