Some counterweights have a plastic liner, and between this liner and the
weight is a rubber sleeve. The sleeve is there to dampen vibration between
the weight and the tonearm. In some arms, this sleeve was made of uncured
rubber. Uncured rubber is ok at first, but eventually turns into a sticky
goo. This might be what you are describing.



"S. S." wrote in message
om...
As the subject suggested this is a stupid question from a newbie. I
wonder what is the sticky glue-like stuff in dark color that is near
the counterweight whole where the armtube goes through.