How to fix common turntable problems
- Replace a broken belt. If you go to play a record on a turntable and the platter doesn't spin, it's probably due to a broken or stretched belt.
- Stop rumble and hum. Rumble is a very low frequency noise introduced to the audio signal by vibrations within the turntable.
- Clean up scratchy, erratic sound. ...
How to fix a record player turntable?
We will teach you how to fix a record player turntable in a few easy steps, using with minimal tools and effort. The best indicator that you need to replace the belt is if the record player turns on, but the turntable does not spin. Even if it does spin, you may have a broken belt. Here are some other indicators that the belt needs replacing:
How do you fix a broken turntable platter?
How to fix common turntable problems 1 Replace a broken belt. If you go to play a record on a turntable and the platter doesn't spin, it's probably due to a broken or stretched belt. 2 Stop rumble and hum. Rumble is a very low frequency noise introduced to the audio signal by vibrations within the turntable. 3 Clean up scratchy, erratic sound. ...
How do I know if my turntable is spinning properly?
A strobe disk will tell you if your turntable is spinning at the correct speed or not, even if it is only slightly off. It works like this. You put the strobe disk on the turntable and turn it on, so that the disk spins. The disk has dots or lines on it.
How do I know if my turntable belt needs replacing?
Here are some other indicators that the belt needs replacing: There is a change in speed as soon as the needle hits the record – either faster or slower. It is sometimes difficult to tell if you have a broken belt, in cases where the turntable is still spinning.
Can turntables be fixed?
If you learn that your turntable is spinning too fast or too slow, or not spinning at all, then you need to fix the belt. Sometimes, you only need to put the existing belt back in its correct position, but other times, you will need to get a new one altogether. You want to make sure you get the right one.
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...
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...•
Why is my turntable not working?
Sometimes a platter not rotating at the correct speed is simply due to dirt holding it back or too much friction. That's why your first step should be a thorough cleaning of the turntable along with some additional lubrication.
How do I take my turntable apart?
3:0318:22how to inspect and service a Sears LXI record player made by SanyoYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMost turntables will just pull right off like that also make sure it's unplugged.MoreMost turntables will just pull right off like that also make sure it's unplugged.
How do you clean the inside of a record player?
Get a hold of a vinyl brush, which you'll be able to find at most record stores. Like cleaning your turntable, start in the center and then brush outwards in a circular motion. Once again, you can dampen an anti-static cloth with rubbing alcohol for deeper cleaning.
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?
0:001:49How to Put Belt on Turntable Record Player - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we're going to go ahead and just carefully lift the platter off of the turntable. And my belt isMoreSo we're going to go ahead and just carefully lift the platter off of the turntable. And my belt is pretty loose. So it. Didn't stay around this little lip here that's on the platter.
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.
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.
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 I restore my turntable dust cover?
9:1810:04My Technics 1200 Dust Cover Restoration DIY With ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd even if you can get them used sometimes they're not in great shape but yeah just goes to showMoreAnd even if you can get them used sometimes they're not in great shape but yeah just goes to show you use that heavy duty headlight restoration kit. And it'll look a lot better than it did.
How do I recap a record player?
10:4111:51DIY How To "RECAP" A Turntable - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo this part here is the positive. So that's all how to recap a electronic units or appliancesMoreSo this part here is the positive. So that's all how to recap a electronic units or appliances especially a turntable this one is a turntable i hope this video helps you.
How do old turntables work?
Playing a Vinyl Record: Step-by-Step Guide:Gently pull the record from its sleeve. Be careful not to touch the record grooves. ... Place the record. Place the record on the plater so the spindle goes through the center hole of the record. ... Adjust the speed. ... Check the cue lever. ... Position the tonearm. ... Lower the tonearm.
How do you know if a turntable is spinning?
A strobe disk will tell you if your turntable is spinning at the correct speed or not, even if it is only slightly off.
How to replace a belt on a platter?
Place the new belt over the center hub of the platter 1 Make sure the new belt is straightened out and stretched, before placing it over the center hub of the platter. It should fit snugly onto the circle. If it doesn’t, it is the wrong size. 2 Put the replacement belt as close to the center as possible for the best accuracy. 3 If you see a ribbon on the belt, make sure to line it up with one of the access holes in the platter, to make it easier to pull the belt onto the motor.
How to know if a belt is wrong?
Make sure the new belt is straightened out and stretched, before placing it over the center hub of the platter. It should fit snugly onto the circle. If it doesn’t, it is the wrong size.
What is a record player belt?
A record player’s belt connects the motor to the turntable and keeps it spinning at a constant pace. Though they rarely snap, it’s not uncommon for the belt to simply slip out of place. Luckily, replacing it is easy. We will teach you how to fix a record player turntable in a few easy steps, using with minimal tools and effort.
How to determine the size of a replacement belt?
If you plan on using you old belt to determine the size of the replacement, follow these guidelines: Make sure that the belt is stretched when measuring the length; then subtract at least 5 to 10 mm to account for wear and tear. Accurately measure the belt’s complete width.
How to tell if you need a new belt?
Check and see if you need a new belt. The best indicator that you need to replace the belt is if the record player turns on , but the turntable does not spin. Even if it does spin, you may have a broken belt. Here are some other indicators that the belt needs replacing: Your records sound lower pitched (i.e. the sound is abnormally deep)
How to know what size belt to use for a record player?
The easiest way to ensure you get the right size is by searching online and typing your record player’s name followed by “replacement belt” (e.g. “ Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC replacement belt”).
Why won't my record spin on my turntable?
If you go to play a record on a turntable and the platter doesn't spin, it's probably due to a broken or stretched belt. The only way to tell for sure is to unplug the turntable and remove the dust cover and platter mat.
What is the fastener on a turntable called?
Some turntable platters are also held in place by a tiny fastener, called a C-clip, on the spindle.
How to clean a stylus cartridge?
Clean up scratchy, erratic sound 1 Is your turntable suddenly putting out distorted "fuzzy" sound, or are the left and right channels fading in and out? 2 Check the wire connectors on the cartridge. Many cartridges use small clip-on connectors that sometimes become loose. 3 Remove the stylus and set it safely aside on a soft cloth, then loosen the locking band around the cartridge head shell, and remove it from the tone arm. 4 Make a wiring diagram of how the wires connect to the cartridge. Gently remove each one, using a pair of tweezers or a pair of needle-nose pliers. 5 Spray a little contact cleaner on a swab and use it to clean off the metal contacts on the cartridge before reattaching the connectors. 6 Once they're attached, make sure they are on tight. Reinsert the needle and reassemble the tone arm.
How to clean a platter?
Lift up the platter and remove the belt. Clean the platter rim and pulley with a chamois swab dipped in denatured alcohol.
How to clean a cartridge before reattaching?
Spray a little contact cleaner on a swab and use it to clean off the metal contacts on the cartridge before reattaching the connectors.
How to minimize rumble on a record player?
You can minimize it by placing an isolation mat or rubber feet under your turntable and making sure that the turntable isn't too close to your speakers. Keeping the dust cover in the up position while playing a record can also reduce the amount of rumble picked up by the needle.
How to check if a cartridge is loose?
Check the wire connectors on the cartridge. Many cartridges use small clip-on connectors that sometimes become loose.
What is a turntable?
A turntable, or phonograph as it was once commonly known, is a device capable of turning the physical deviations on the surface of a spinning disc, or record, into sound waves.
How big is a turntable?
Turntables typically consist of a large box, at least 12 inches in width and depth, with a spinning component in the center and a long stylus on a pivot capable of moving to and fro across the radius of the spinning disc.
How did the phonograph work?
Through most of the 20th century, the phonograph was actually used as the primary method for recording audio, with devices having the functionality to “write” discs by actively etching the grooves based on the input sound waves.
When was the phonograph invented?
The phonograph was invented by Thomas Edison in 1877 and improved by Alexander Graham Bell’s laboratories in the 1880’s. Through most of the 20th century, the phonograph was actually used as the primary method for recording audio, with devices having the functionality to “write” discs by actively etching the grooves based on the input sound waves. Nowadays, records are mass produced by stamping out records with a press, and the ability to record sound has been removed.
How long does it take for an electrolytic capacitor to go bad?
Electrolytic capacitors can start to go bad after about 20 years so I decided to replace all of them. With basic soldering tools, I did a little practice soldering and desoldering on an old alarm clock circuit board. I found that 350 C was about the right temperature for both activities.
Can you replace RCA interconnects?
If you wish you can also replace the RCA interconnects and solder them to the board. Make sure that the new cables are low capacitance, however.
