Trimming Tools
Stiction (noun): the friction which tends to prevent stationary surfaces from being set in motion.
Adjusting zenith can be frustrating due to the stiction between the mounting screws and the headshell. Even brass washers can grab and go, making it difficult to make small zenith adjustments.
Building on our experience with our Schröder headshell tuning kit, we decided to adapt some nylon washers for use in a Kuzma headshell.
With the majority of headshells, a simple washer substitution can be made.
Note however, the reinforcement ribs in Kuzma headshells require using either small diameter washers, or filing flats on to larger washers.
Washers small enough to fit between the ribs are barely larger then the diameter of socket head mounting bolts, so this doesn't do much to help the cartridge slide easily during adjustment.
We prefer filing flats onto washers, to increase the sliding contact area.
Shown here, are brass washers we generally use for the final installation with Kuzmas (although we're open to cartridges which favor nylon).
Custom Brass Washers
As noted above, we adapted nylon washers for smoother operation during the setup process.
After setup, we'll audition all three washer combinations to see which variation works for the particular tonearm and cartridge:
- 2 nylon washers
- 1 nylon, 1 brass
- 2 brass washers
To swap out the washers without disturbing the geometry, remove/replace one screw at a time.
- Tighten one screw
- Remove the other screw and swap out the washer under that screw
- Repeat the process to change the other screw
- Set the final screw torque
About the Final Torque
Make sure to adjust the torque after you've completed this. We've found that most people over torque their cartridges which can compromise dynamics and introduce distortion.
Over-torquing induces mechanical stresses on the cartridge body.
In general, the screws should be barely tighter than that which is required to keep the cartridge from moving in the headshell.
Experiment with this if you don't believe us.
Which Washer is Best?
We won't tell you which combination worked for this Kuzma arm/Kuzma cartridge combination because not only will it ruin your fun, but these solutions are system-specific: influenced by both your arm and cartridge as well as likely everything downstream of it.
While our general findings favor brass and stainless, the Schröder CB's energy management strategy is one notable exception, so have fun with this and feel free to talk to us about your observations.
2 Nylon Washers
1 Nylon & 1 Brass
2 Brass Washers
