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
How do I restore an old record player?
Restore an Old Record PlayerStep 1: Take the Record Players Apart. ... Step 2: Making the New Hole for the Pick-up Arm. ... Step 3: Making the Brass Brim. ... Step 4: Glue the Sides With Veneer Wood. ... Step 5: Glue the Wood Veneer on the Small Parts. ... Step 6: Make the Case Flat. ... Step 7: Glue the Veneer on Top. ... Step 8: Varnish the Case.More items...
Why is my record player not working?
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. There is also the probability that the power to the motor is cut off or (ideally, though you'll feel like an idiot) the player simply isn't plugged in.
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 I fix my record player not spinning?
Follow these steps if the turntable platter doesn't spin:Make sure that the turntable is connected to the wall outlet.Move the lever on the motor drive gear inward to allow the platter to spin.Place the drive belt over the notched guide on the motor pulley. ... Re-sync the tone arm with the platter.
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.
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.
How do you test a turntable belt?
1:184:53Turntable Belt Replacement - all you need to know! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd after that the platter usually has like two holes and these holes are for our fingers. And weMoreAnd after that the platter usually has like two holes and these holes are for our fingers. And we can just put up the platter. And put it on the side. And that's what you see here.
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 change a turntable belt?
1:192:37How to Replace a Turntable Belt on a Belt Drive Turntable - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what you're going to do is take the belt and there's an inner lip in this on this turntable. YouMoreAnd what you're going to do is take the belt and there's an inner lip in this on this turntable. You will place the belt around that inner lip what that does is that attaches that to you attaches.
How do you tighten a turntable belt?
Once you take a look, and the belt is in good condition but seems loose, you can try boiling your belt or using talc on the motor pulley. Boiling a loose vinyl record belt for a few minutes can help shrink it back down closer to its original size.
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.
How do you test a turntable belt?
1:184:53Turntable Belt Replacement - all you need to know! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd after that the platter usually has like two holes and these holes are for our fingers. And weMoreAnd after that the platter usually has like two holes and these holes are for our fingers. And we can just put up the platter. And put it on the side. And that's what you see here.
How do you test a turntable motor?
1:132:09Microwave motor How to remove and test How to repair change Replace ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's cycling clockwise and now it's going in the counterclockwise direction so this is a goodMoreAnd it's cycling clockwise and now it's going in the counterclockwise direction so this is a good motor. And turn it off and plug my wires. Turn my power back on again. And that's how I test my motor.
How do I fix my record changer?
0:007:54Turntable / Record Player Repair Tips. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI didn't have to but generally speaking you can take your screwdriver pop. It down here and veryMoreI didn't have to but generally speaking you can take your screwdriver pop. It down here and very carefully. Without losing the clip. Pop this little ring out of here in this case.
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.
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.
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.
Why is it important to maintain a record player?
Occasional maintenance, even when your player is still working properly, can also be hugely beneficial. It lengthens the lifespan of your player and helps prevent future problems.
Why do turntables have dust covers?
Even though most turntable players come with dust covers and seals to prevent foreign particles from getting inside the device , they still manage to collect dust and grime over time. You don’t want to let this build up, as it will affect the unit’s performance.
What to do if your belt breaks?
If it breaks, you need to get a new one and replace it. Again, your first stop should be the instructions manual, because it usually provides step-by-step instructions on how to replace the belt. If you do not have the manual, check online. I also wrote a detailed post on how to replace a broken belt.
Can you play vinyl records with a needle?
Once you have installed the new needle, don’t play your most precious record. Test it with a record you don’t care much about, just in case. You want to make sure your new needle is correctly installed before letting it touch your valuable vinyl albums and potentially scratching them.
Do record players stop working?
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. The ability to do some basic troubleshooting on your record player will ...
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.
