The parallel guide of an elastic force reducing dynamometer comprises a frame secured to a base plate, two essentially parallel plates, a load carrier, and four elastic tie joints. The load carrier supports a balance pan for receiving weights. A load-carrying element is clamped between the upper end of the load carrier and the lower end of the frame. Compressive force exerted on the load carrier is converted into an electric signal. The parallel guide is manufactured from a single piece, for example by profile extrusion or wire erosion. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the load-carrying element is clamped between the lower end of the load carrier and the upper end of the frame. Tensile force exerted on the load carrier is converted into an electric signal.