Music can inspire us, motivate us and soothe our souls, and we can't live without it. The timeless ritual of spinning a record is a classic way to listen to music. If you like music, you really need a good record player. Over time, however, your record player will eventually go wrong for a number of reasons. When the record player stops working altogether or still works but not as well as before, you may want to take it to a professional for repair, but in most cases, this is not necessary. Next, we'll show you how to fix a record player in a few easy steps.
Determine if there is a problem with Your record player
A dirty or scratched record will directly affect the sound quality of the record player, making it impossible to play records smoothly. Therefore, the first step is to replace a record or clean it to determine if the record player needs to be repaired. One suggestion is to use this sleeves to avoid accumulating dust when you are not using the record, use cleaning brush to clean the record after using it.
Thoroughly clean the record player
The turntable can not work properly probably because of dust and dirt. The accumulation of these foreign particles can eventually affect the performance of your device and can even damage your record player. Use a clean anti-static cloth to thoroughly clean dust from your record player without disassembling it. When cleaning tougher dirt and fingerprints, you can rub some alcohol on the device.
Do a basic check for the record player
1. Turn off and unplug the record player. Visually inspect the record player for signs of damage. Check for broken parts, missing parts, dents, or chips. Prepare a list of damaged parts for replacement.
2. Examine all connections of the record player. Begin at the power source by examining all plugs and cables for frayed or damaged connections. Verify that the outlet the record player is plugged into is not switched off.
3. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the cable. Test for continuity and shorts from the plug to the record player. Check that the electrical and physical connections to the output cables are secure. Use a signal tracer to test the signal path through the output cable. Verify the operation of the output cable and whether the cable needs to be replaced.
Check the needle on the tonearm
Verify that the needle operates properly by turning the turntable on and testing it on a record. Listen and compare the sound output of the old and new needles to determine if the needle needs to be cleaned. Replace the needle if it is faulty or missing.
Inspect the cartridge
There are many situations where a cartridge can fail. This happens when all connections are running and the needle accurately operates, but the cartridge does not make a signal. Note the model and manufacturer of the cartridge and record player when purchasing replacement parts. Usually, a screwdriver is generally all that is required to disassemble and replace the faulty cartridge.
Replace the tonearm cables
If you find that the tonearm cables are faulty, worn or damaged, then you can replace them. The cables should connect to the phonograph cartridge with the crimp or the connections. Be careful when threading replacements through the tonearm because these wires are thin gauge and damage easily. Besides, the cable connections can be corroded or dirty. Remove and clean the connections with emery cloth or sandpaper, then reinstall.
Visually inspect the drive system.
Modern turntables have two types: direct-drive and belt-drive. For direct-drive turntables, an AC motor is switched on and rotates a drive wheel, which also rotates the turntable. The rubber on the drive wheel can deteriorate over time or lose its grip, in which case it must be replaced. A belt-driven turntable uses a motor that drives a belt to turn the turntable. In general, the belt fails first, and maybe due for a replacement.
What’s more, the motor or switch has failed if the turntable cannot rotate at the exact speed. Check the motor and housing for burning marks and replace them if necessary.
Check whether the turntable rotation is normal
When you discover the wraps or vertical movement show a twist in the turntable platter, you may need to change a new platter.
Record players are wonderful and complicated works of art that require proper maintenance and care. By following the steps above, you can quickly fix your record player and get it back in working order.