There’s nothing more frustrating than putting on a record and having the needle skip all over the place. If your record player needle won’t stay down, there are a few things you can do to fix it.
Why Is My Record Player Needle Won’t Stay Down?
There are a few reasons why your record player needle might not be staying down. Here are a few of the most common reasons:
- The tracking force is too low. The tracking force is the amount of pressure that the needle applies to the record. If the tracking force is too low, the needle may not stay down.
- The needle is worn out. Over time, the needle can wear out and become blunt. This can cause it to not stay down on the record.
- The record is dirty or damaged. If the record is dirty or damaged, it can cause the needle to skip.
- The turntable is not level. If the turntable is not level, the needle may not stay down.
How to Fix a Record Player Needle That Won’t Stay Down
Once you’ve identified the reason why your record player needle won’t stay down, you can start to fix it. Here are the steps on how to fix it:
- Check the tracking force. If the tracking force is too low, you can adjust it using the tracking force adjustment screw on your turntable.
- Replace the needle. If the needle is worn out, you will need to replace it.
- Clean the record. If the record is dirty or damaged, you can clean it using a record cleaning brush or a record cleaning kit.
- Level the turntable. If the turntable is not level, you can level it using a spirit level.
Here are some additional tips for fixing a record player needle that won’t stay down:
- Be careful when adjusting the tracking force. If you adjust the tracking force too high, you can damage the record.
- Use a high-quality needle. A high-quality needle will last longer and be more likely to stay down on the record.
- Clean your records regularly. Cleaning your records regularly will help to prevent dirt and dust from building up, which can cause the needle to skip.
- Handle your records with care. Dropping or scratching a record can damage it and make it more likely to skip.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your record player in good condition and prevent your needle from skipping.
