Tenacious VPI TT Lube

jm1
jm1 Posts: 618
edited March 2010 in 2 Channel Audio
I am always on the lookout for ideas to improve the sonic characteristics of "The System". While looking at other aspects of TTs, I inadvertently found reference to something of interest.

I have been using the VPI ‘Super Lube’ for the platter bearing. I was unable to identify if this was any better than the regular lube they had prior to the ‘Super Lube’. Over the years there have been many posts of others trying different types of lubes. Some of these are not easily obtained in small quantities.

One user had tried ‘Phil Wood Tenacious Oil’ on his TT as he had a bottle for use on his bike. A local shop had this in stock so I decided to try this. If it didn’t work, I could always use this on a chain.

The Super Lube was removed and one (1) drop was placed on top of the bearing. You do not need more than this! I found this to be a noticeable improvement over the VPI sourced Super Lube. There was more inner detail, a deeper soundstage as well as a blacker background which made everything sound more dynamic.

Next time the motor requires maintenance, I will try a drop in there as well.

If you have some of this oil, you might want to try this on your VPI TT platter bearing. I am not sure how this might perform on other TT manufacturer’s tables, but it might be worth a try.


Till next tweak,

JM
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
Arthur Schopenhauer
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Comments

  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2010
    Wow great find John. When I broke out my old VPI MK II from storage after 20 years I spoke with Mike at VPI as to what to do to wake up and prepare the TT for a lot of use. He recommeded that I put a drop of 10w30 motor oil on the bearing and the shaft. This was amoung a plethora of suggestions to get the TT up to snuff.

    I did so and it worked out fine. I came across a bottle of VPI lube, cleaned off all the motor oil and applied the VPI lube. I wasn't expecting any changes thus I didn't do any critical listening.

    I will however try your new find and see how it works on my current VPI table.

    Thanks for the info.

    BTW have ever had a bearing fall out of its socket when lifting the platter out of the well?
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  • TomB
    TomB Posts: 106
    edited March 2010
    JM: I know this isn't a bicycle forum, BUT... Phil Wood Tenacious Oil is not suitable for lubricating chains - it's basically 90W oil, and is too thick to get into the plates and rollers, to properly lubricate the chain. (It will also pick up and hold a lot of dirt and dust in the chain.) ;)
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  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited March 2010
    Joe,

    No, I have not had the bearing extract itself from the socket. If it did, I would be tempted to replace it with ceramic. You know how it goes...


    Tom,

    This is the first time I've had this stuff. Yes this is a chain oil, does penetrate very well and stays put between surfaces as its supposed to. The excess from the one drop did run out and the shaft is still very well lubricated. Great results. Next time I will put less than a free falling drop on the bearing.

    If used on a chain, I would put one drop on each joint and wipe very well afterwords. I am not sure I would use this on my bike as I hate goopy chains. I have used White Lightening for along time and like the way it cleanly sheds.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2010
    jm1 wrote: »
    Joe,

    No, I have not had the bearing extract itself from the socket. If it did, I would be tempted to replace it with ceramic. You know how it goes...

    Ya had to stick the idea in my head!:mad:;):D
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  • del44
    del44 Posts: 686
    edited March 2010
    Hey guys. How often do you lube the bearings? I've had my TT for about 2 years now and probably 100 hours on it. I forgot about lubing the spindle until I read this thread.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2010
    I take my platter out once a year, clean out the well, clean off the bearing and shaft with wooden Q-tips, thoroughly, then reapply the lubricant. That may be a little extreme but I'm know for going to extremes with cleaning records and keeping the TT/tonearm/cartridge/stylus clean and adjusted perfectly. I clean off my turntable belt & platter rim it contacts, then put talcum power on my turntable belt once a month. I use the shake-n-bake method to apply the talcum powder. I use unscented pure talcum powder.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited March 2010
    well, speaking of bearings I did change mine out to a ruby, I liked it over the steel bearing in my Rega.

    Thanks for the tip on the lube.

    RT1
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2010
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »
    well, speaking of bearings I did change mine out to a ruby, I liked it over the steel bearing in my Rega.

    Thanks for the tip on the lube.

    RT1

    For real Ted? Where did you get it and was it expensive?
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