Dual 1219 questions

[bvirts]

Hi, I'm new to vintage audio, I have a background in engineering, so I can troubleshoot and fix many things (within reason). I recently picked up a dual 1219 off of craigs list. It seems to be in relatively good operating condition. I do however feel it needs some maintenance. I'm planning on getting all the oils and greases to lube it up underneath as well as fix the noisy motor, all of which I've read about and can handle. One thing outstanding is balancing the tone arm. There just isn't enough counterweight thread to balance it properly, it will completely unscrew before I get there, and it's been flipped around so that turn arrows on it are facing the rear of the tt. I'm not really sure what the problem with it is, so any help figuring that out and any other advise appreciated!!

Brian

[bvirts]

I should mention I have a Shure M44G cartridge and N44 stylus attached.

[Spinnr]

bvirts.

Very nice turntable in the range, and well worth the effort in restoring properly. I am sure the Dual experts will chime in to help.

Vinyl forever.

[DualSpinsMyVinyl]

bvirti:

There is a adjustment screw just behind the gimbal mount that can be released by hand or sloted screw driver that releases the shaft of the counter balance allowing you to make large adjustments in the position of the weight by moving the shaft in or out of the gimbal. There by increasing the versatility of the threded counter weight for small adjutments. Also the counter weight can be moved on its threded shaft by just jently pulling forward or backward on the weight to move it a little more than makeing a mild adjustment by having to screw the weight in the direction that you want.

Good choice. I have had a Dual 1219 for over 40 years and love it.

Regards,
DualSpinsMyVinal

[bvirts]

Hi, thanks! That makes sense!

[bvirts]

Ok, everything was working great...except there was static when the tone arm moved horizontal to the record. I then tried to clean the mechanisms in that area, but that just seemed to make the problem worse. Now, since also turning the screw on top the chassis next to the skate dial, there is increased hum and static and the tone arm will not move toward the record...And records sound like crap with hum and popping...It's basically unusable:-( I understand this is probably hard to help me but any help appreciated...thanks Brian

[DualSpinsMyVinyl]

bvirts:

The only thing that comes to mind regarding the static and hum would indicate that the ground connection between the TT and preamp/integrated amp is either not connected or is broken. There will be a lot of static created when moving the tone arm back and fourth that sounds like sandpaper rubbing on a microphone along with increased hum. So checking the ground lead would be my first action. Regarding the screw that you adjusted near the anti skating control, it adjusts the height of the stylus off of the record when using the cue control or when the automatic function is used. The mechanism that moves the arm works with friction and adjusting this screw may have changed the pressure. I have not used the auto start for years. Also there is a small hole between the arm rest and the record size control. In the hole is a screw that adjusts where the stylus sets down on the record when automatic start is used. Turning the screw to the left moves set down position more onto the record, turning to the right moves the set down position more toward the edge. Use small adjustments.

Regards,

DualSpinsMyVinyl

[bvirts]

Ok, thanks for the response, I will try to troubleshoot it without getting into deeper water...thanks again