How to Troubleshoot Turntables

Turntables, the rotating part of a phonograph or gramophone, play vinyl records with the aid of a stylus, or needle, attached to a tonearm. Since the advent of compact discs and downloads, phonographs and turntables remain in use mainly by vinyl aficionados and by nightclub DJs who occasionally need to troubleshoot their turntables.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Consult the manual for your turntable to troubleshoot issues. It will have illustrations to help you locate the cause of the problem. Manuals contain troubleshooting or frequently asked questions lists for common problems.
2. Clear off a table or desk where you can fix your turntable. Remove all other items from the desktop and clean the surface.
3. Preserve the tonearm. When examining or fixing your turntable, don't flip them over and put weight on the tonearm to troubleshoot the problem. You'll compromise the tonearm or damage it, and then you'll have to repair it. Remember to clip the tonearm down with string before flipping the turntable over.
4. Examine your turntable for dust. Wipe off your turntable on a regular basis to alleviate excess dirt and dust that seeps into wires and the stylus.
5. Neutralize hum by securing the ground wire. Always attach wires and chords firmly to prevent interruption when playing records.
6. Clean the belt if you have problems with playing speed. Don't use harsh solvents to clean your turntable or loosen stiff parts. The solution will effect other parts of the turntable that should remain dry.
7. Move levers, knobs, the tonearm or other parts gently. Forcing parts to adjust them will only cause more damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't place pennies or other coins on top of the tonearm to force it down on the record.

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