The high of Vinyl

[BobM]

Silk thread. Doesn't stretch. Doesn't pass motor vibrations to the platter.

I use this on my VPI with a stunning increase in resolution over that rubber O ring VPI's generally use. Of course I needed a speed controller to do so since the diameter is very different for each.

[topround]

Silk surgical thread is supposed to be the best sonically. Some use dental floss. I am currently using the tape from a cassette. Mint sells surgical silk for thread drives,I might try some. Any surgeons out there?

Mike

[BobM]

Griffin Silk Bead Cord. Link below for online supply:
http://www.artbeads.com/stringing-materials-griffin-silk-bead-cord.html

I suggest trying sizes 2, 3 and 4 and see what you like the best. The cool thing about this site is that you have your choice of colors also. Just a simple over-under knot in the end (not a square knot), but you do have to take care to get the length just right unless you can easily reposition your motor to compensate.

[Rob S.]

OK, you've mentioned it to me before to try....  I'm ready now..     can't get much cheaper than this for a tweak.   

One ?,  my turntable ( VPI classic ) has one motor spindle for 33 and 45 rpm ( the top of the spindle is smaller for 33 and the lower part is wider for the 45 speed) The vpi flexible ring easily can be moved to the desired speed.  I don't think I can use the same length thread for both.  How long does it take to put one on, realizing it doesn't have much flex?   I'll have 2 different sizes ready depending on speed....

Rob S.

[richidoo]

Can a tensioner pulley be used? It would maintain constant thread tension and allow speed change with same belt. Can a quality ball or even needle bearing be added to the transmission or will it be too noisy? I think the tolerance of a plastic bearing is too large and will wobble on the axle.

[BobM]

Here's the problem. The VPI pulleys are V shaped and the fat round rubber O ring has a certain diameter, so it fits in the groove to a specific depth. The silk thread is much thinner and will fall into the V of the groove farther and thus the speed will change very noticeably. You definitely need a speed controller to use this with the V shaped pulley.

Now for a flat pulley it might be a different story since the inner diameter of the thread is the same as an O ring or a mylar tape.

As for sizing it, I had to retie the knot about 3-4 times before I got one just right, so buy some extra thread.