Support Home
As always, if you have a question about your Galibier products, consider e-mail and telephone as your first line of support.
All of the links below are general in nature. With the exception of the first link (remote setup during COVID), they take you outside the Galibier website and the link opens in a new tab/window.
Setup Tips
A Remote Setup We Performed During COVID
We had to get creative with social distancing requirements during COVID and performed this setup remotely. The above blog post summarizes how we accomplished this. If you’d like a copy of the 40+ page setup report sent to the customer, sign up for our mailing list (click this link for details). We've added a section on building your own azimuth measuring tool.
This is a great narrative on how a master sets up his turntable. Stay tuned for a setup video from us, but know that we’re 100% in agreement with Andre’s setup protocol.
Protractors
Please note: Mint LP is no longer manufacturing protractors. These were our protractor of choice.
Stay tuned for release of a mirror-backed arc protractor from Galibier.
Upon initial release, we will limit them to a few specific designs. A key feature will include zenith correction reference lines.
Workflow for setting geometry:
We start with a Feickert Protractor to set pivot to spindle distance and preliminary overhang. We normally have them in stock.
Technically, the Feickert can be used to set all parameters, but the black background with light silk screening can be visually challenging for some individuals.
Because of this, we shift to an alternate protractor for the next step.
One approach is to source one of many, mirror-backed two point protractors which can be had for as little as $11.00. Two good examples are offered by either Hudson Hi-Fi or Turntable Basics.
Another approach is to shift to an arc protractor.
When mixing and matching protractors, be sure to select the same alignment (Baerwaald, Löfgren or Stevenson) for both your Feickert and secondary protractor.
If you're looking to source an alternate arc protractor, there two things to consider before purchasing:
- Arc protractors are specific to the effective length of your tonearm. You’ll need one for each tonearm (or effective length).
- Tonearms with fixed mount “headshells” (e.g. Schröders and modern SME’s) are a bit tricky due to manufacturers specifying different stylus offsets. In these tonearms, a Koetsu will have a different effective length than (for example) a Lyra. This can be taken into account, however (contact us for details).
Contact us if you have any questions.
Turntable Restoration and Customization
Bill Schmitz for restoration of vintage direct drive turntables from the 70’s, along with other vintage analog restorations: schmitz.williamj@gmail.com
Custom bases for Garrards, Technics, etc. by Lee at Acoustand in the UK
We've also had excellent results with Shaun at SMD Acoustics/Peak HiFi (also in the UK). Shaun fabricated the base for this Garrard 301 restoration.
Cartridge Retipping
Please know, that unless the stars align perfectly, a rebuild/retip from any of these fine artisans is no guarantee of reproducing the exact sound of your prized cartridge. Too many variables are involved in tuning the response of a cartridge, which is why they all have their unique voice.
A few critical components in the sonic equation (from a “repair/rebuild” perspective) include, but are not limited to:
- Cantilever material and design
- Stylus profile, finish quality, and method used to mount to the cantilever
- Suspension tuning and damping strategy
No matter how capable and reputable a retipper is, they cannot possibly source identical materials for all cartridges entering their shop. The skilled rebuilder will get you close, however, and with your input, you may be able to customize your cartridge to better suit your listening preferences.
They will get you back up and running for a fraction of the price of a factory rebuild, and if the stars align, you may prefer their work over the original.
With those caveats, below are a few cartridge services who have garnered excellent feedback over the years.
Please note that you are on your own if you choose any of these craftsmen. We have not seen any of their work in quite some time, so do your research!
- Steve at VAS (Vinyl Audio Science)
- Andy Kim’s Phono Cartridge Repair and Retipping
- Peter Lederman at Soundsmith
- AJ Van den Hul, is another well-known standby, although we don’t know how much “outside” work he is taking on these days.
- Expert Stylus in the UK seems to have shifted their focus in recent years to vintage and mono restorations. At the time of this writing, their website link was broken.
Resources and Free Stuff
Free Strobe Disk from Sheldon Stokes (PDF download)
Free stuff from Enjoy the Music
Cartridge protractor, and a spreadsheet to calculate both Baerwald and Loefgren “B” alignment for pivoting tonearms.
An excellent source for arm and cartridge manuals
