looking for a DIY end of record lift for a manual tt

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#61
No problem Barry. Mario has been so informed.

Doug, I believe you have been in touch with Mario and you are now on his list.

I am guessing there are still 2 units unspoken for. Email Mario for orders, first come first served.

Thanks,
Mandym
 
#64
In order to accommodate the largest range of tonearm heights, I supplied Tonals with extra lengths and instructions how to shorten the aluminum tubing (if necessary). I did not realize that first-time users, which everybody are, might not easily discover that a setup difficulty they could be having is due to Tonal height until they ask for help!

My attempt to make the Tonal more "universal" has shown its downside and I humbly apologize to those who would be so inconvenienced.

Henceforth, if ever I will make another batch of Tonals, they will be adjustable within the average range and each set will be supplied with an extension base to accommodate tall tonearms.
 
#65
mandy:

i think-and hope-your worry that the folk who orderd the tonals might not be happy might be for nothing. i, for one, am pleased as punch with mine, even if i do need some mods done...

though i can't speak for everyone who ordered your tonals, i can say to the forum at large that to me, the lift that mandy produced is a quality piece of work, easiliy on a par with the highly-thought-of expressimos, and yes, i've used them in the past, so i can fairly accurately compare them. the tonal is, to me, a well thought out design with a high degree of finish.

but we have to remember, as with all first-run tweeks of a universal mounting, there come with it some teething problems...problems-and questions-that have been noted already here. most involve quick fixes of the sort that relates to the overall minimum and maximum mounting heights available. as mandy pointed out, and the instructons noted, that most everything is a simple fix or ajustment. does it fit every arm straight out of the box? no...but then neither did the expressimo. and at least the tonal can be fiddled with.

and in case you're wondering; no, it didn't fit on my arm either (i'll need a mini arm board extention made up-no big thing, really). but it's obvious that the machining skill is as evident as it is on my triplanner that i'm matching it to.

so just to assuage anyone's worry about the fiddly bits: sure, some folk will need mandy's help and perhaps even some modified extra mountings made, but it's clear that he knows that this might come up; he's shown that he's more than happy to help us out in fixing or tweeking the tonals to suit our probably already tweeky arm set-ups.

now, how often do you get that kind of customer service?!

so, for those of us that are mildly freaking out about things, i say: hey! it's a universal mount...whatdya want? instead, take a gander at that insane level of detail in a really good design and think: damn! with just a bit of tweeking, i can get this thing to work beautifully. whoo-hoo!

just my two cents...
 
#67
My Tonal is installed and working perfectly! Mandy's design offers lots of adjustments and it takes a bit of time to dial it in. I had to cut down the length of the vertical support, and the rest was just fine tuning. Thanks again Mandy.
 
#68
Well thank YOU Badge!

You started this thread last December searching for a tonearm lifter. I hope the Tonal is a satisfactory ending to..."my manual lift days with my TT".

As mentioned previously, the extra-length Tonal is a design decision. Sorry for the inconvenience. And yes, it needs a bit of attention in setting up. However, once set up, it will keep doing its job automatically and consistently.

Regards,
Mandy
 
#71
TonaL arm lift

I am glad that I stumble on this thread linked form Audiogon forum. I ordered this tonearm lift by contacting a friend of Mario in NYC.
After receiving payment address I send personal check and in 3 days received my Tonal arm lift.
I have to tell you folks that I did not expect this "home-made" product to look that refined. And I am a picky customer.
It came very nicely packaged in a plastic box with soft insulation and full 2-page instruction and diagram with trouble-shooting guide!

Fit and finish of this little device is on commercial level. I would not be surprised to see it in Audiophile store or online retailer.

It took me an hour to fine tune it and now it works 100% of the time, simply perfectly.

I had to cut the main stem to shorten it. No big deal. The adjustable screws on top are ingenious touch ! They are the key in making this gizmo work.

In conclusion , i will say if you need Safety Rasier -Tonearm Lift Get this thing as fast as you can. It is superb.

P.S. One consideration! Tonal stands taller than your tonearm in order for it to function, thus you need to make sure that your DUST COVER has enough clearance, otherwise you would need to raise it on some rubber bushings ,like I did (Rega P3).
 
#72
Hi dkzzzz,

Thank you for your kind report. I really believe in the Tonal and I have confidence that it will equal or even surpass the likes of the AT or Thorens lifters. The final decision of course will have to come from the users.

Is it possible to post a photo of your set up? Thanks again,

Mandy
 
#74
Mandy,

I now know why you're quiet nowadays 🙂 Seems you've been busy with the Tonal 🙂 Glad to know it's back on production 🙂

Reiterating what ArnoldC posted, I hope you do post the DIY tonearms and turntables you've made 🙂

Cheers.
 
#75
d3imlay said:
In the early 80's I had a device that was hydraulic triggered by a small lever the tone arm hit. I don't think it was the sylift mentioned here. I later built an optical device that the tone arm triggered and shut off the motor. it worked very well.
Click to expand...


I've fantasised about an optical sensor triggered by the tonearm to shut of the motor. Can you give us the plans?

and here's a dumb question...
if the motor was thus shut off, how quickly would we nevertheless want to lift the tonearm?
 
#79
mandym said:


Hi Dihnekis,

Mario in New York just might have one or two left. His email is in post #69 of this thread.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

I've been in correspondence with Mario, and have spoken for one.
So, you might want to make that adjustment to your count.
I would have PM'd you this information, but I'm too new of a member, with too few post to qualify, yet. So I post here.

Mike
 
#80
I just received my Tonal lifter in the mail this afternoon.
Its a remarkably well made device.

I cannot speak highly enough of Mario in this transaction - flawless. It was as smooth as it could possibly be. Much appreciated.

thanks again to Mandy and Mario for thier much appreciated efforts!

Now,... to the mounting. I'll take pictures.

Mike
 
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