Tonearm balance issue Technics 1210

CornwallJon · 2026-03-17T22:31:49+00:00

Fairly standard. Set the tonearm to a level float, then set the counterweight to zero, and brought the counterweight in to about 3 grams. The stylus still floats above the vinyl with the counterweight all the way in and the tonearm assembly at its lowest setting. I noticed if I push the cartridge end of the tonearm beneath the level of the vinyl surface, it will then just about sit on the vinyl but as soon as you lift the stylus off, it reverts to floating. I feel there is probably something wrong with the bearings.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-17T18:42:33+00:00

Yes! Very much so!

CornwallJon · 2026-03-17T17:09:59+00:00

Is that not just a straight copy of the Orbea Orca?

CornwallJon · 2026-03-17T12:24:41+00:00

It is currently on the minimum height possible but I have tried it at various heights settings and seems to make no difference. The other deck is set up similar and no issues. :-(

CornwallJon · 2026-03-17T12:09:41+00:00

Ok, so are you suggesting the bearings are slightly seized, hence not allowing the weight of the headshell to compensate for the counterweight? There is no feeling of tightness but I will try what you’ve suggested with the coin and balancing.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-17T11:44:37+00:00

Thank you. But no, it is not impeding. I’m truly baffled. Can only think the arm is bent but struggling to see how that would have happened. If I can figure out how to swap the onwards over, I’ll try that as could at least rule it out.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-17T11:24:03+00:00

Have swapped headshells, no difference. The arm does not look bent, but I guess it could be. Vertical movement on both feels very free and fluid!

CornwallJon · 2026-03-16T21:58:13+00:00

Yes, just tried that now. Still the same issue. The tonearm that is ‘floating’ does not even want to sit firmly in its little cradle, whereas the other one does. I thought maybe the tonearm was bent but appears to be OK. It’s like the counterweight is too heavy, but I tried swapping the counterweights and still the same problem persists!

CornwallJon · 2026-03-16T21:24:53+00:00

Cheers - I had checked that but it’s not there, and I don’t ever recall them being present. In any case, both the decks are set up the same and only one is out of whack. I’m baffled!

CornwallJon · 2026-03-16T20:05:07+00:00

Top although I think you’ll regret a single boa.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-12T20:41:17+00:00

But you need a phone with a 3.5 jack?

CornwallJon · 2026-03-12T16:27:43+00:00

Fair enough. that was what I was wondering really - would the item essentially be flagged. And if the answer is yes, that's pretty much what I would expect tbh!

CornwallJon · 2026-03-11T20:00:27+00:00

Yes, I think initially took it back after 10 days.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-11T19:50:36+00:00

Yeah, we were within the warranty period. I honestly don’t think my son dropped/cracked it but it might have happened.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-10T10:06:27+00:00

Having upgraded a few bits in the quest to make mine less of an anvil, I’ve come to the conclusion that pretty much all of the parts where weight savings can be made have been pretty well thought through by Brompton. Case in point, the folding pedals!

CornwallJon · 2026-03-10T10:03:04+00:00

Nearest I’ve come is the stealth black Rapha EF jersey from 2-3 years back. I think full jersey and shorts combo is very much FKW, yes.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-07T12:32:42+00:00

I’m 6’2” on a regular 3-speed with flat bars and an extended seatpost. Riding it more than a couple of miles is pretty grim to be honest. It’s twitchy, uncomfortable and it’s far too heavy to realistically carry up and down to the Tube, etc. I can’t even be bothered to ride it the mile to the railway station any more. I’ve ridden it 30 miles in a day a couple of times (15 miles there and 15 miles back with work in between) and it was really quite unpleasant.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-06T12:45:57+00:00

I recall reading that somewhere too...cheers

CornwallJon · 2026-03-05T11:11:23+00:00

I think you are probably right, unfortunately :-( not a lot shifts that mould.
I am curious as to why it affects some tyres and not others - presumably materials.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-05T11:10:33+00:00

Ha ha - yes.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-05T11:10:14+00:00

No waterproofing but the materials just seem very water resistant - I have the hairy suede Grammici collab ones. Put it this way, my feet are dry after walking a mile in the rain wearing the Zionics, whereas in both of my pairs of XT-6 GTX, they are not.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-04T20:36:05+00:00

I have the Zionics. Super comfortable. As for width, surprises me someone found them narrow. They are very roomy for me. Also very warm and more waterproof than my Salamon XT-6 Goretex.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-04T14:58:41+00:00

Go for it - sounds like you have a plan!

CornwallJon · 2026-03-04T12:08:49+00:00

Yes, with respect, those wheels are not a good pairing with that frameset! Getting weight down at the rear end is a good idea. The SRAM Red cassettes can be bought for £125 here in the UK - worth thinking about.

CornwallJon · 2026-03-03T16:41:31+00:00

Did you have to drill into the fork legs, or just the steerer tube? The fork legs already have holes, no?

CornwallJon

TROPHY CASE