The Pro-Ject 55g Counterweight (008) is a genuine replacement counterweight for Pro-Ject tonearms that use the 008 counterweight series. At 55g, this is one of the lighter counterweights in the Pro-Ject range, designed to balance the tonearm correctly when used with lighter-to-medium compliance cartridges, or in configurations where a lower-mass counterweight is required to achieve the correct vertical tracking force (VTF) across the full adjustment range.
What a Counterweight Does
The counterweight mounts at the rear of the tonearm tube, opposite the cartridge. By sliding the counterweight along the stub and rotating it, you set the downforce that the stylus exerts on the record groove. Setting the correct tracking force is essential: too little and the stylus will skip or mistrack; too much and both the stylus and your records will suffer premature wear. Each Pro-Ject counterweight carries a numerical part code that identifies the correct mass and thread specification for that particular tonearm family.
55g Weight and Tonearm Compatibility
The 008 series counterweight weighs 55g, placing it towards the lighter end of the Pro-Ject counterweight range. A lighter counterweight is used when the cartridge body mass is lower, as the counterweight must sit closer to the pivot point to achieve balance, keeping the adjustment range within the tonearm’s optimum operating zone. The 008 designation identifies the thread specification and mount type, ensuring a precise, rattle-free fit on compatible tonearm rear stubs. If your existing counterweight has been lost, damaged, or you are fitting a cartridge with different compliance characteristics, this is the correct replacement for 008-series tonearms.
Installation
Thread the counterweight onto the rear stub of the tonearm by hand until it seats securely. With the cartridge and stylus guard fitted, balance the tonearm parallel to the platter surface by adjusting the counterweight position. Once balanced, set the tracking force dial to zero and then rotate the dial to your cartridge manufacturer’s recommended VTF figure. Always re-check alignment and anti-skating settings whenever a counterweight is changed.