Learn how to perform simple turntable repairs at home with basic supplies, from checking the belt and replacing the needle to troubleshooting power issues.
For turntable collectors, knowing a few simple repair tricks is essential to help minimize maintenance costs. The warm sound of music from a turntable remains incomparable to newer digital formats. However, turntables are prone to occasional issues, especially with heavy use. This article discusses how you can perform simple repairs at home using just a few basic supplies, some testing, and a little bit of time.
- Assessing the damage. The first thing you need to do is determine what is actually wrong with your turntable. Is it not moving at all? Is the power working properly? Could the issue simply be the quality of the record being played?
- Checking the belt and the platter. The easiest issues to spot involve the belt and the platter. Check to see if the belt is still attached to the platter. The platter is the plate-like section of the turntable where you place your record. There is a belt underneath this platter that makes it spin. The belt is usually the most common culprit, as it frequently comes loose or slips off entirely. If this is the case, simply place it back on track and test the turntable to see if it works as it should.
- Replacing the needle. If the belt is not the issue, it is time to check the needle. This is the part of the turntable that touches the record as it plays. Check if it is broken or bent, which could further damage your records. Needles can be purchased from your local audio supply store or, in some cases, vintage hobbyist shops. Buy a couple at a time so you have spare needles on hand. All you need to do is unscrew the old needle from the body and replace it with the new one.
- Checking the power source. If the above measures are ineffective, there may be an issue with the power source, especially if there are no indicator lights showing the turntable is receiving electricity. Check the plug to ensure it is in good condition. Test your wall outlet to see if it is working properly, and try plugging the turntable into a different socket. If all of these troubleshooting steps fail, something internal may need replacement, and it is time to take the unit to an audio technician.
Keep your turntable clean by regularly dusting it and checking the condition of the needle. A broken needle can significantly damage your records, which you definitely want to avoid as a collector. In some cases—especially for turntables that are not top-of-the-line and have power source issues—it might be cheaper to simply buy a new turntable. If the damaged unit is not a rare vintage collector's item, it is often easier and more economical to shop for a replacement. You can even sell the old one at a garage sale just to get a little something back.
How to Repair a Turntable
Learn how to perform simple turntable repairs at home with basic supplies, from checking the belt and replacing the needle to troubleshooting power issues.
For turntable collectors, knowing a few simple repair tricks is essential to help minimize maintenance costs. The warm sound of music from a turntable remains incomparable to newer digital formats. However, turntables are prone to occasional issues, especially with heavy use. This article discusses how you can perform simple repairs at home using just a few basic supplies, some testing, and a little bit of time.
- Assessing the damage. The first thing you need to do is determine what is actually wrong with your turntable. Is it not moving at all? Is the power working properly? Could the issue simply be the quality of the record being played?
- Checking the belt and the platter. The easiest issues to spot involve the belt and the platter. Check to see if the belt is still attached to the platter. The platter is the plate-like section of the turntable where you place your record. There is a belt underneath this platter that makes it spin. The belt is usually the most common culprit, as it frequently comes loose or slips off entirely. If this is the case, simply place it back on track and test the turntable to see if it works as it should.
- Replacing the needle. If the belt is not the issue, it is time to check the needle. This is the part of the turntable that touches the record as it plays. Check if it is broken or bent, which could further damage your records. Needles can be purchased from your local audio supply store or, in some cases, vintage hobbyist shops. Buy a couple at a time so you have spare needles on hand. All you need to do is unscrew the old needle from the body and replace it with the new one.
- Checking the power source. If the above measures are ineffective, there may be an issue with the power source, especially if there are no indicator lights showing the turntable is receiving electricity. Check the plug to ensure it is in good condition. Test your wall outlet to see if it is working properly, and try plugging the turntable into a different socket. If all of these troubleshooting steps fail, something internal may need replacement, and it is time to take the unit to an audio technician.
Keep your turntable clean by regularly dusting it and checking the condition of the needle. A broken needle can significantly damage your records, which you definitely want to avoid as a collector. In some cases—especially for turntables that are not top-of-the-line and have power source issues—it might be cheaper to simply buy a new turntable. If the damaged unit is not a rare vintage collector's item, it is often easier and more economical to shop for a replacement. You can even sell the old one at a garage sale just to get a little something back.
How to Repair a Turntable
By Howtodotips
Learn how to perform simple turntable repairs at home with basic supplies, from checking the belt and replacing the needle to troubleshooting power issues.