Dear Unplggd,
I know this is kind of an "old tech" question, but my record player is broken. I just moved, and when I set everything up, the darn thing isn't working. I press the power button, the light comes on, and I hear a sound, but the platter doesn't spin. What could possibly be wrong? Please help, I need my vinyl!
DB
Thanks for the question, DB. We've had a similar problem, and in our case, our belt had become detached from the platter. Since we had no idea how it was originally attached, it was quite tricky to figure out how and where to connect it. The "how to's" online aren't always very descriptive, but here's a good discussion. If you're still stumped, there are a ton of websites that offer repair services, but your best bet might be to head down to a local record shop for ideas. If they can't fix it, they'll probably know someone who can. Anyone some advice for DB?
Image: Alfred Harth Discography
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
Kelly I think you nailed it. I bet it's the belt. When I was in college I had a huge stereo but no money (yes-I was one of those guys) and I ended up using elastic bands until I could afford a new belt.
view Chris - Annapolis's profile
It's the belt. Belts are cheap and easily found online -- google your record player name belt and you should be able to fine on that fits. You remove the platter and check out the underpinnings -- but generally you slip the belt around the platter and then to a spindly thing on the motor. You may want to check out your current belt before ordering a new one -- it could have just slipped of during the move. Also experiment putting the loose belt on before you try with the tighter new one.
This is an *easy* and simple machine kind of fix. I'm a girl -- mildly mechanically inclined so I have no experience with stereo guts. The biggest hurdle here is the intimidation factor. Pull of the platter and look at the innards!
cheers,
Jayme
view jayme's profile