How to Repair a Record Player
- Prepare for replacement. You should turn off and unplug your record player in advance when you want to restore an old record player.
- Examine all connections of the record player. Pay attention to the power source by checking all plugs and cables for unraveling and damaged connections.
- Check all cables. In this time, you should turn on the multi-meter to inspect for continuity at all cables. ...
- Connect the multi-meter to the signal meter cable. To check for shorts and continuity from the plug to the cartridge links, you should connect the multi-meter to the ...
- Focus the needle on the tone-arm. To ensure the needle on the tone-arm works well, you should turn the turntable on and check it on a record at ...
- Inspect the cartridge for operation. A cartridge sometimes can fail. ...
- Change a new cartridge. Take a screwdriver to replace the cartridge and disconnect the old one. Then, you put a new screwdriver.
- Check the tone-arm cables. If you find out faulty, frayed or damaged tone-arm cables, then you could replace it on a regular basis.
- Inspect the drive system. High-end turntables have two main types which are direct-belt turntables and belt-drive ones. ...
- Verify the turntable platter for vertical movement or distortion. When you discover the wraps or vertical movement show a twist in the turntable platter, change a new platter.
How to fix an old record player?
Tube Record Player Restoration
- Diagnosing the Problem. When I bought this record player, there were many problems with it, so the first logical step I took was to disassemble the record player ...
- Replacing the Capacitors. In old vacuum tube equipment, the capacitors were made of paper wound with wax inside. ...
- Replacing the Selenium Rectifier. ...
- Building a New Phono Cartridge. ...
How to fix record players?
Record players can build up a lot of dust, just like anything else. To prevent any particles from getting inside the device and mucking things up, wipe your record player down regularly with an anti-static cloth. Rubbing alcohol can also be carefully used to wipe away tougher spots. Get a stroboscopic disc.
How to clean your record player?
What you need to Clean A Record Player
- Alcohol
- Clean cloth
- Dusting cloth (Antistatic)
- Paintbrush with soft bristles
- Stylus brush for cleaning
How to replace the needle on a record player?
- The Role Of The Needle On A Record Player
- How To Replace The Needle On Your Record Player
- Do Your Research
- Consult A Professional
- Unplug The Unit
- Unscrew The Headshell To Remove The Needle
- Unlock The Lever In The Arm
- Fitting The New Needle Into Place
- Tighten The Screws Back On The Tonearm
- Test The New Needle
Can record players be fixed?
Sometimes record players stop working. Sometimes they work, but not as well as before. Sure, you can take it to a professional and get it fixed, but a lot of times that's not necessary. Many times, the problem is fairly simple and something you could take care of on your own.
Why would a record player stop working?
When it comes to direct drive record players, there are numerous possible reasons why the record player might be malfunctioning. These include debris and dirt stuck in the motor components and shaft. A jammed platter or a faulty on and off switch can create problems too.
How do you fix a turntable that won't spin?
Here is the whole process summarized:Switch power off to the turntable to prevent electric shocks.Pull the plastic mat off and set it aside.Remove the platter.Place the platter upside down on a flat surface.Stretch the belt over the center of the platter, making sure it fits properly.More items...•
How do I get my record player to work?
0:255:03How To Use A Record Player & Tricks You Can Do! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to setup a 45 rpm record take your adapter which is essential to making the 45s work place it atMoreSo to setup a 45 rpm record take your adapter which is essential to making the 45s work place it at the core of the turntable.
How do you know if your turntable is broken?
There are both audible and physical indicators that will let you know that you're stylus should be replaced. On the audible side, your records won't sound as good if your stylus is old or damaged. You'll hear more distortion, crackling, static and overall fuzziness.
What do you do with a broken record player?
Best Buy's Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program Best Buy will take back old record players (turntables) and many other home electronics for free; they also offer a buy back program for more desired electronics. They accept up to three items per day from each household.
Why does my record player have no sound?
Confirm your speakers or amplifier are powered on. If the stylus protector(1) is still on the stylus(2), remove it before playback. Ensure the stylus does not come off with it. Check your tonearm balance, without the correct tracking weight, the stylus will not track in the grooves of the record.
How do you restore an old turntable?
Turntable RestorationStep 1: Disassemble. Remove the turntable platter, internal cover and bottom protective case.Step 2: Inspect. Inspect the electronics for any potential problems. ... Step 3: Replacing Electronics. ... Step 4: Capacitors. ... Step 5: Desolder. ... Step 6: Replace. ... Step 7: Solder. ... Step 8: Reference Designators.More items...
Where is the belt on a record player?
4:048:59How to replace your record player belt! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn the middle.MoreOn the middle.
How do you start an old record player?
1:182:58How-To: Play a Vinyl Record - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell first we place the record on this round surface called a platter. When we switch the turntableMoreWell first we place the record on this round surface called a platter. When we switch the turntable on the platter will begin to spin with the record on top of it and on this side of the turntable.
Is it OK to leave a record on the turntable?
Ideally, the only time you can keep your record out of its sleeve is while using it. If you leave it on the platter or for an extended period, you are exposing the vinyl record to dirt and dust. Leaving the record on the turntable often will increase the risk of damaging its surface.
How do you clean a record player needle?
2:083:50How to Clean your Record Needle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd when you lift the needle up again usually. This magic eraser has removed. It's it's kind of heldMoreAnd when you lift the needle up again usually. This magic eraser has removed. It's it's kind of held on to the pieces of dust. And dirt and debris that were on the needle.
Why is my Crosley record player not turning on?
Ensure the power adapter is plugged in and the power light comes on when the volume knob is turned. If the turntable does not come on, you may need a new power adapter.
How do you test a turntable belt?
0:054:53Turntable Belt Replacement - all you need to know! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can hear there is a noise. But it's not spinning. So this is a clear sign of a broken belt soMoreYou can hear there is a noise. But it's not spinning. So this is a clear sign of a broken belt so these belts over the time they are rubber they start to disintegrate.
Why did my Crosley record player stop spinning?
My Turntable Will Not Spin Make sure the function switch located on the front left of the device is set to phono. Then try moving the turntable arm to the right until you hear a click. Make sure the protective needle cover is removed.
How to restore an old record player?
Step 1: Prepare for replacement. You should turn off and unplug your record player in advance when you want to restore an old record player. Then, you check the record player directly for signs of damage. Look for dents, chips, and broken parts.
How to replace a cartridge in a record player?
Step 1: Prepare for replacement. Step 2: Examine all connections of the record player. Step 3: Check all cables. Step 4: Connect the multi-meter to the signal meter cable. Step 5: Focus the needle on the tone-arm. Step 6: Inspect the cartridge for operation. Step 7: Change a new cartridge. Step 8: Check the tone-arm cables.
How to check for continuity on a cartridge?
To check for shorts and continuity from the plug to the cartridge links, you should connect the multi-meter to the signal cables. Then, you need to scrutinize the output cables for secure physical and electrical connections. Next, you use a signal tracer to produce a test signal path through the output cables.
What is a high end turntable?
High-end turntables have two main types which are direct-belt turntables and belt-drive ones . With direct-drive turntables, an AC motor is turned on and rotates a drive wheel which also rotates the turntable. The rubber on the drive wheel enable to get worse over time or lose the grip and it must be replaced.
Do you need to connect a cable to a phonograph cartridge?
The cables ought to connect to the phonograph cartridge with the crimp or the connections. When replacing the threading with the tone-arm, you should draw attention to the wires because these are thin gauge and easily damage. Furthermore, cable connections could be dirty or corded.
What is a stylus in a record player?
The stylus, otherwise known as the needle, is a key component in any record player, be it those classic ones our parents owned or the modern ones we see in music joints. The stylus goes into the disc’s grooves to create vibrations that the amplifier picks up and translates into sound and music.
Why is my turntable so slow?
Problems with the belt or turntable can cause an overly fast or slow speed of the music. This is often due to an increase or a decrease in the belt’s size. Or sometimes, a broken belt.
Step 1: PROBLEM
The problem was that when I put the tone arm on the vinyl the turnable won't rotate (no move, no music).
Step 4: Get the Spring Out of the Pen
As is shown on the video, get out the tip of the pen, and take out the spring.
Step 5: Making the Spring Box: PART 1
In the notebook (do not throw it ) draw 5 rectangles, they must have more or less 3mm more of high than the spring, and have to have 2 mm more of length & width (the spring is a cylinder) than the spring.
Step 7: MAKING THE SPRING BOX: PART 3
Again with the notebook draw a square (5x5mm). cut it and stick it to the spring as shown in the pictures.
Step 9: Stick the String Box
What we name A won't move because it has the stick in front, but when the stick move the spring will make the force it need to make the motor works.
Step 10: Put on the Turntable
Remember the record player works with rubber to transmit the movement, so take a tweezers or something similar to put the Turntableagain.
Step 1: Take the Record Players Apart
In the first 5 pictures you can see the bad condition the player was in. When i took it apart, it quickly became clear that the arm could no longer be used. The bearings were completely broken, so I had to take 1 from another player (picture 6).
Step 2: Making the New Hole for the Pick-up Arm
Because the pick-up arm was no longer usable, the old one had to be removed. Later I will fill this gap again and make an adjusted hole for the other arm.
Step 4: Glue the Sides With Veneer Wood
Now it's time to glue the wood veneer on the case. Any veneer will do and if you want it in one piece then make sure that the piece is big enough.
Step 6: Make the Case Flat
To glue the veneer on the top sides I needed to level some shapes in the case first. It dind't had to be perfect because the PU-glue will fill up the small gaps.
Step 7: Glue the Veneer on Top
This will be the biggest piece and you need to cut out a difficult shape.
Step 9: Modify the Pick-up Arm
Now I will begin to modify the pick-up arm. I took some pictures for reference on how it was put together and wiring (picture 1-2).
Step 10: Make the Pick-up Arm Hole in the Case
Now we have our shape of the pick-up arm, we can make the hole in the case and increase the height because the arm does not get high enough.
The Cartridge: What It Is and How To Replace It
This little device is one of the most crucial parts of your record player, and if something goes wrong with it, it’ll leave you with inferior sound or no sound at all.
Replacing a Worn-Out Belt
There are two main types of mechanisms that allow turntables to spin – belt-drive and direct-drive. A belt-drive turntable relies on (as the name suggests) a small belt wrapped around the plate that holds a record and is attached to a motor.
Why Is My Turntable So Quiet?
If your turntable isn’t producing any sound at all while attached to a pair of passive speakers, it’s possible that there is something wrong with your preamp.
When to Visit a Pro
There are several circumstances when you might want to bring a busted turntable in to be fixed by an audio professional. These are situations when you’re dealing with severe damage, missing parts, or other issues that are too big for you to handle on your own.
How to change capacitors?
To change the capacitors, desolder or cut the leads of the old capacitor and resolder the new capacitor in place, you might need to use jumper wires because newer capacitors are usually smaller than the old ones. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
How to replace a selenium rectifier with a diode?
To replace the selenium rectifier with a diode, first, you need to measure the amperage the circuit is drawing. You can then use this with the fact that a silicon rectifier has a drop of 10 volts more than a diode to figure out the resistor value to add in series with the diode.
How does a selenium rectifier work?
The selenium rectifier is a predecessor to the modern silicon diode and is used as such. It works like a modern diode, but has a larger voltage drop. The problem with these old rectifiers is that because of age, their internal resistance rises, making them heat up faster. This is a problem because it lowers the B+ voltage for the amplifier. Another problem is that if the rectifier heats up, it could fail and release toxic selenium smoke. This is bad, yet it can be replaced with a silicon diode. To replace the selenium rectifier with a diode, first, you need to measure the amperage the circuit is drawing. You can then use this with the fact that a silicon rectifier has a drop of 10 volts more than a diode to figure out the resistor value to add in series with the diode. In my case, with a voltage drop of 10 volts and a draw of 65 mA, I used a 150 ohm resistor. Connect this resistor in series with the silicon diode and solder it in place of the silicon rectifier. It should work now and be safer.
My record player has been at another repair center and they said it can't be fixed. Is this true?
Most of the time record player repairs can be done with little or no problems at all, however, extreme circumstances can lead to an un-repairable unit. Keep in mind, turntable parts are getting harder to come by, and will only get harder as time goes by. But for now, most every turntable and phonograph can be serviced!
How much will it cost to repair my record player?
While every record player or phonograph has the same basic principle in operation, each model and brand is very different and unique. For example: Some units have an external amplifier while others do not. Some have only 1 drive idler (tire) and others can have 4 or more. Therefore, one price for servicing is not possible or fair.
What models do you service?
Acoustic Research, ADC, Admiral, Airline, AKAI, Arvin, Audio Industries, Audio King, Bell Sound, B.I.C., Birch, Blaupunkt, Bogen, BSR, Brother, Bulova, Capehart, Columbia, Craig, Curtis Mathes, Decca, Diamond, Dual, Dumont, DYN, Dynamic, and so on…all the way up to Zenith. If they made it, we can repair it.
How should I ship it to you?
Very carefully! Take your time when getting ready to box up your unit. Note any moving object, and secure it if possible. Be especially sure to secure the tone arm, this should not move or bounce during shipment. Secure the turntable platter so it will not spin around.
