So for the second time in as many months I received a collectors vinyl that has a warp in it. It is not a bad warp, but enough that it looks as if it might bump the bottom of my quite flat-bottomed Grado Platinum.

I am looking for a record weight to remedy this issue. Would there be any issue with using a weight-based clamp?

What clamp do you recommend?

Well...if your Ariston is like other "Linn" type Ariston's then you don't want to load down the platter with too much weight as it will change the dynamics of the suspension. My Thorens is also a sprung suspension and I have the Michell clamp and am very happy with it. It's light weight, clamps to the spindle via a pressure fit (not proprietary screw down like the VPI and Music Hall clamps), and actually works at helping to flatten lightly warped vinyl.

James R.

Sota I clamp also works good without adding much weight.

Well...if your Ariston is like other "Linn" type Ariston's then you don't want to load down the platter with too much weight as it will change the dynamics of the suspension.

I don't know anything about Linn tables, but it is not suspended like a Thorens.

I will look into the Mitchell.

the pickering 'red button clamp' is lightweight and effective but is a bit fiddly to use with every record change..
still...its great for making archival recordings of slightly warped records..and to my ears ..it does tighten up the lowest bass notes...
its not as easy as using a weight but it does look cool..

Decided on the michell. It seems to be the least expensive option with very good reviews. I like the way the mechanism works. Seems quite ingenious.

Good choice. I use one on an AR, the trick is to set up the suspension with a worst case scenario view. Platter, mats, 200g vinyl and the clamp. There are 2 clamps out there though. One is stamped with an R and is for Rega's and their clones.

Good choice. I use one on an AR, the trick is to set up the suspension with a worst case scenario view. Platter, mats, 200g vinyl and the clamp.

The table I have is much closer to a rega or music hall in the way the platter fits to the plinth. There is no adjustments to the suspension.


There are 2 clamps out there though. One is stamped with an R and is for Rega's and their clones.

I bought this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230223326994&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=013) one.

The Rega issue is to do with the drive wheel and the thicker Planar 3 glass platter. It doesn't give the standard clamp much to grip, and this is made worse by thick mats.

The pictures via Google of the Q Deck suggest the clamp should be fine as long as the centre spindle isn't too long...

the clamp should be fine as long as the centre spindle isn't too long...

I hadn't even thought of that. I will let you all know when it comes in.