Turntables are mechanical devices, and as such, they are subject to wear and tear. Over time, the components of a turntable can degrade, leading to problems such as speed fluctuations, skipping, and distortion.
So, do turntables go bad? The answer is yes, they can. However, with proper care and maintenance, a turntable can last for many years.
What Causes Turntables to Go Bad?
There are a number of factors that can cause a turntable to go bad. These include:
- Dirt and dust: Over time, dirt and dust can build up on the components of a turntable, causing them to malfunction.
- Vibration: Vibration can also cause problems with a turntable, as it can cause the platter to wobble and the stylus to skip.
- Age: The older a turntable is, the more likely it is to have problems. This is because the components of a turntable will eventually wear out.
- Improper use: If a turntable is not used properly, it can also go bad. For example, if a turntable is not properly leveled, it can cause the platter to wobble.
How to Prevent Turntables from Going Bad
There are a number of things that you can do to prevent your turntable from going bad. These include:
- Keep your turntable clean: Regularly clean your turntable with a soft cloth to remove dirt and dust.
- Use a turntable mat: A turntable mat can help to reduce vibration and prevent the platter from wobbling.
- Level your turntable: Make sure that your turntable is level by using a spirit level.
- Use a quality stylus: A quality stylus will last longer than a cheap stylus.
- Store your turntable properly: When you are not using your turntable, store it in a cool, dry place.
How to Fix a Bad Turntable
If your turntable is not working properly, there are a few things that you can do to try to fix it. These include:
- Clean your turntable: If your turntable is dirty, cleaning it may solve the problem.
- Replace the stylus: If the stylus is worn out, replacing it may fix the problem.
- Lubricate the components: If the components of your turntable are not properly lubricated, they may be causing problems.
- Take it to a technician: If you are not comfortable fixing your turntable yourself, you can take it to a technician.
Turntables can go bad, but with proper care and maintenance, they can last for many years. If you are experiencing problems with your turntable, try the troubleshooting tips above. If you are not able to fix the problem yourself, you can take it to a technician.
Additional Information
- Here are some tips for storing your turntable:
- Store your turntable in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid storing your turntable in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
- If you are storing your turntable for an extended period of time, you may want to consider storing it in a protective case.
- Here are some resources for finding a qualified technician to repair your turntable:
- The Audio Engineering Society (AES)
- The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM)
- Your local record store
