Despite current trends toward increasingly digitized and synthesized media, niche groups of music lovers opt to simplify music playback with the raw, vintage sound of classic LP record pressings. To get on board with the vinyl resurgence, you will need to find your old Technics turntable. Unfortunately, when hooking up your Technics turntable, you might find that it does not work as well as when you first placed it on that damp, dusty basement storage shelf. Over time, needles break, electronics rust and components bend. Luckily, you can fix many Technics turntable problems right from your home with these suggestions.
Instructions
1. Check the needle. With a bent or broken needle, you will not get high quality sound from your Technics turntable, and you may even damage the record during playback. If the needle is damaged, replace it before using the turntable. Depending on the model of Technics turntable you're using, you'll need a different-sized needle. Visit Vintage Electronics' website (see Resources) to purchase common Technics needles online, or visit a local record store for more obscure models. Needles usually snap or slide into place, making it easy to change out the old, damaged needle.
2. Check the wiring to make sure it is all attached properly. Some Technics turntables have exposed wiring near the bottom, while others require unscrewing a bottom panel to get at the wiring. If you find any loose wires, find the place that the wire jostled loose from by looking for a bare patch of solder; reattach the wire using fresh solder. If exposed wires are rusted, or if wires appear otherwise damaged, replace them with well-insulated electrical wiring from your local hardware store. The black ground wire is most often associated with unwanted buzzing or humming; if you notice any problems with this wire, purchase an official Technics brand replacement wire from the Needle Doctor website (see Resources).
3. Look for bent or damaged parts. The turntable arm is susceptible to bending because it is thinner than the other components attached to the turntable. New Technics arms can be purchased from Needle Doctor's website (see Resources).
4. Note if the turntable has become warped from storage in a hot environment. If this is the case, your best bet is to get professional repairs from a local electronics store. Turntable warping is a difficult problem to correct at home. If you live in the New York area, Technics' website shows strong support for Brooklyn Express Shop by linking directly to the site for maintenance concerns (see Resources).
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