If you are a vinyl lover and have a Victrola record player, you may have experienced a frustrating issue: skipping. This issue can take away the enjoyment of listening to your favorite vinyl records. There are several reasons why your Victrola record player might be skipping, and in this article, we’ll go over some of the most common causes and how to fix them.
- Dirty or Worn-out Records
Dirty or worn-out records are one of the most common causes of record skipping. Dust, dirt, and fingerprints can accumulate on the surface of the record and cause the stylus to jump or skip over the grooves. If you haven’t cleaned your records in a while, it’s time to do so. You can use a microfiber cloth or a record cleaning kit to clean the surface of the record. If the record is worn-out, it may be time to replace it.
- Tracking Force
The tracking force is the amount of pressure that the stylus puts on the record. If the tracking force is too light, the stylus may skip over the grooves. On the other hand, if the tracking force is too heavy, it can damage the record. Check your Victrola’s manual to find out what the recommended tracking force is for your particular model. You can adjust the tracking force using the tonearm counterweight or by using the tracking force gauge.
- Tonearm Balance
If the tonearm is not balanced correctly, it can cause the stylus to skip. The tonearm should be parallel to the surface of the record. If it’s not, adjust the tonearm balance by using the tonearm counterweight. The counterweight should be adjusted until the tonearm is balanced and parallel to the record.
- Stylus Wear
The stylus is the needle that sits at the end of the tonearm and tracks the grooves of the record. Over time, the stylus can wear out and become blunt, causing it to skip over the grooves. If you haven’t replaced your stylus in a while, it may be time to do so. Make sure to choose a stylus that is compatible with your Victrola model.
- Turntable Level
If your turntable is not level, it can cause the stylus to skip. Use a spirit level to check if your turntable is level. If it’s not, adjust the feet of the turntable until it is level.
- Vibrations
Vibrations can also cause the stylus to skip. If your Victrola is placed on a surface that vibrates, such as a speaker, it can cause the stylus to jump or skip over the grooves. Move your Victrola to a stable surface to reduce vibrations.
In conclusion, if your Victrola record player is skipping, it can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable. Try cleaning your records, adjusting the tracking force, balancing the tonearm, replacing the stylus if necessary, making sure the turntable is level, and reducing vibrations to see if the issue goes away. If you’ve tried all of these solutions and the problem persists, it may be time to take your Victrola to a professional for repair.
