Noob Alert: how to describe this problem? Speed problems?

[jkilla]

Hi Everyone, I inherited an old Technics BL-SD24 turntable from a friend a month or two ago, and I've been very happy playing away with it. A few days ago, I put on a record and noticed the sound was wavering, sounding very very out of tune. It seemed slow and the pitch was all wrong.

What kind of problem does this point to? I've already replaced the stylus, and the cartridge is a month old. Not sure if it's an inner part issue like a motor, belt, controller, magnetic etc.

My new stylus has a higher tracking weight than what I was using before, is it as simple as adjusting the height? My table is one of those Technics that requires a screwdriver to adjust the height of the needle, and it did look like it wasn't catching the groove based on my noob observation.

Thanks! I'm reading through site for other info, but any help ASAP would be great!

[Alec124c41]

That model number seems wrong. SL-BD23 I know. Please check.
Two things to look at: cleaning and lubrication.
The switches and controls probably need cleaning. This means getting a bit of contact cleaner inside the guts of the controls.
The main platter bearing should have a bit of fresh oil. The motor bearing should have a drop or two, also.

Cheers,
Alec

[jkilla]

Thanks Alec! You're right about my typo, It's actually an SL-BD24U.

I first removed the dust mat and then noticed that the belt was not _tightly_ wound around the underside of the platter. I had a closer look and it appears the belt may have lost much of its elasticity. I will definitely clean and lubricate the other parts but I think the belt may need a replacement as well.

I played a record quickly and noticed that the sound gets warblier as the tonearm goes to the more inner tracks of the record. I'm guessing the belt tension isn't enough at that point?

[youngdand]

Well it will be the belt, the reason you hear it more on the inner tracks, is because less information is recorded per complete revolution of the platter towards the missle of the platter compare to the our platter.

a new belt should sort it out no problem. if you cant get a new belt you maybe able to use fishing line.

[smeg68]

If you can't get hold of a new belt, boil the one you have in some salted water for around 10 mins. I have done this a number of times and it helps to slightly shrink and degrease the belt.

[Alec124c41]

The belt should probably be about 24 inches, give or take a bit. I have put a 23.5" belt on a Technics, and thought it a bit tight.

Cheers,
Alec

[jkilla]

Hi there, I've ordered a new belt; hopefully it will arrive soon.

I also tried the boiling trick!

It helped a little bit, as there is a noticeable improvement, but still the last track on the records still warble, since I think the speed is just a little off still.

How tight should the belt be when attached?

[Alec124c41]

It should fit easily around the platter inner rim, stretch a bit to fit over the pulley.
Have you cleaned the insides of the controls?

Cheers,
Alec

[jkilla]

It should fit easily around the platter inner rim, stretch a bit to fit over the pulley.
Have you cleaned the insides of the controls?

Cheers,
Alec

hi Alec,

OK then that's definitely my problem. It is so stretched out that it doesn't fit over the JUST the platter inner rim. In fact, it barely fits tightly if I put it on the pulley AND the inner rim. Belt is being shipped from the states, probably will arrive next week if I'm lucky

I'm trying to find some contact cleaner for the components. A record store I frequent was selling DeoxIT for $20, which seemed a little pricey. I think the source sells some sort of electronics cleaner for under $10

[jkilla]

Well, after I got a new belt, cleaned the heck out of my turntable, things sound wonderful again. Thanks for everyone's help; hopefully people with similar issues found this thread useful