- Isolate your turntable from vibration. If your turntable does not isolate well (if it's lightweight), you can buy “rubber-like” isolating feet that your turntable will sit on and they will absorb most vibrations before they reach the record.
- Clean your records.
- Dust everything.
- Clean your stylus.
Foam – Silicon foam is considered one of the better options for turntable mats. Not only can this material diminish sound but it can absorb extra vibrations, such as something coming from a motor. Another bonus is that it can reduce possible feedback between the stylus and the record itself.
Occasionally, belt drive turntables require turntable belt replacement. This timeframe can vary from a few years to twenty years or more depending on the belt's quality, turntable usage, and environmental conditions.
There are a few different reasons to consider upgrading your turntable. The most important is for better sound quality, not only overall, but also to counteract a decline over time. Older turntables might give off a humming noise as the components deteriorate over time.
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. Make sure that the drive belt is not twisted.
- Re-sync the tone arm with the platter. Press the UP/Down button.
There are two turntable platters, the upper platter rests on the belt driven subplatter, isolated by rubber grommets. You place the 45 spindle in the up, play position, then you just lift off the upper turntable platter. If you are lucky it will lift off with a gently tug.
A turntable repair averages about $95 at The Turntable Shoppe, and cost varies based on the size of the turntable, its age and the complexity of the job.
Fixing the turntable on your record player is not an overly difficult task, but it is a bit time consuming. It is always better if you don't need to make any repairs. That is why you should always take good care of your record player and if you ever ship it in the mail, make sure you pack it very well.
Steps to Fixing a Slow Record Player:
- #1 Test Your Record Player Speed.
- #2 Give Your Record Player A Good Clean.
- #3 Check The Belt.
- #4 Make Fine-Tuning Adjustments.
The best way to get it out is to use a large soldering gun and heat the spindle right where is enters the spindle housing. As you apply heat keep gently pushing and turning the spindle until it pops out.
Problems With The BeltIf the turntable is a belt drive model, it is possible that the belt has become loose or crumbled away. When the belt is not in its proper place, or is damaged, the platter stops spinning. If the belt is just loose or out of place, you can fix this problem by repositioning or tightening the belt.
Re: cleaning turntable motorThe bearings need to be disassembled, flushed with rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol or even isopropyl alcohol. After the bearings dried and were reassembled then they need to be oiled, sewing machine or Turbin oil works well.
The easiest way to remove a c-clip is with a small flat head screwdirver. Put your finger on top then push the blade in between the the top of the c-clip and the shaft. Then turn the screwdriver 45 degrees to pry it up. Your finger will stop it from flying away.
BSR is a budget British turntable / record changer manufacturer. Their record changers were generally sold to other companies for use in their products and these changers started appearing in USA marketed products starting in the mid '50's.
Turntable Restoration
- Step 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.
REMOVING THE PLATTER FROM THE SL-1200 MK2,3,4,5,M5G
- Place an index finger in each hole.
- Place one thumb over spindle.
- Now squeeze fingers together.
- DO NOT PULL UP ON THE PLATTER.
- If the platter will not come off.
- One lifts up the platter until resistance is felt.
This product has a built-in phono equalizer function. You can use the product even if you do not have a phono amplifier or connectable equipment with a built-in phono amplifier. Use the pre-amplifier selector switch to set the output, as shown below. RCA audio cable to the line input jack of the PC sound card.
There is no volume control on the turntable. You may want to consider using a Headphone Amplifier between the turntable and your headphones.