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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: evilchris on April 05, 2009, 11:11:50 PM

Title: Need help finding a new turntable needle ...
Post by: evilchris on April 05, 2009, 11:11:50 PM
I picked up a console stereo over the weekend, but it sounds like it needs a new needle.

The music is very faint, and sounds sort of hollow.  It's almost like the needle isn't settling into the groove ... is it too dull?  Either way, I think it's a problem with the needle, so I'm trying to track down a replacement for a decent cost.  If anyone can help me out, that'd be awesome.

Photos are attached.  Thanks.

Title: Re: Need help finding a new turntable needle ...
Post by: evilchris on April 05, 2009, 11:12:51 PM
A few more ...
Title: Re: Need help finding a new turntable needle ...
Post by: evilchris on April 06, 2009, 10:34:39 AM
you might need to adjust the tracking weight of the tonearm.

Any idea how I might do that?  Thanks!
Title: Re: Need help finding a new turntable needle ...
Post by: Church-Audio on April 06, 2009, 10:47:18 AM
you might need to adjust the tracking weight of the tonearm.

Any idea how I might do that?  Thanks!

There could be a screw on the back of top of the tone arm housing that can be adjusted. The needle and the cartridge should really be replaced on that rp. Because I am sure they are both on the way out.
Title: Re: Need help finding a new turntable needle ...
Post by: som on April 06, 2009, 12:02:19 PM
good point, chris.
My folks had a similar console. I used it extensively, which drove them crazy. They finally got me a bedroom system, and that was the last time I looked at one of those consoles.

Brings back memories....hunkering down with a pile of Yes, Pink Floyd, and Todd Rundgren albums, listening to my folks old console system!
Title: Re: Need help finding a new turntable needle ...
Post by: evilchris on April 06, 2009, 12:21:47 PM
There could be a screw on the back of top of the tone arm housing that can be adjusted. The needle and the cartridge should really be replaced on that rp. Because I am sure they are both on the way out.

Hrm ... there's a screw with markings of "2", "4", and "6", but adjusting it didn't seem to do much.  I'll take a closer look tonight.

I didn't see an obvious "cartidge" anywhere, either.  Is that going to be at the head of the tone arm?  I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to turntables.  :(

Thanks for your help, guys.  I really appreciate it.
Title: Re: Need help finding a new turntable needle ...
Post by: Tim on April 06, 2009, 12:45:44 PM
yep, the head where the needle attaches is known as the cartrdige or cart

very cool score. I want my grandparents console system but I haven't had anywhere to keep it
Title: Re: Need help finding a new turntable needle ...
Post by: evilchris on May 04, 2009, 12:28:30 AM
wtf ... there was a useful link here, but it looks like all of moke's stuff got deleted.

anyone have that link?  :(
Title: Re: Need help finding a new turntable needle ...
Post by: flipp on May 04, 2009, 08:42:51 AM
hadn't read this thread before so don't know if this is the link moke had posted or not but one of my favorite sites for turntable/cartridges is needledoctor

http://www.needledoctor.com/
Title: Re: Need help finding a new turntable needle ...
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on May 04, 2009, 09:43:20 AM
Sweet!   That is a beast.  I love those old, purely mechanical stacker mechanisms.  My Grandmother has a monster Zenith in mint condition..  It lives in the livingroom and really needs a good home..

Even if you sort out the tracking force, it would be a good idea to evaluate the needle under a magnifier to make sure it isn't worn.   I've heard a worn needle can damage the record grooves.  Too much tracking force is also bad.