It is not normal for a record player to skip, but it can happen from time to time. There are a few reasons why a record player might skip, including:
- Dirt or scratches on the record: If the record is dirty or scratched, it can cause the stylus to jump. You can clean the record with a soft cloth or a record cleaning solution. If the record is scratched, you may need to replace it.
- Improper tracking force: The tracking force is the amount of pressure that the stylus applies to the record. If the tracking force is too low, the stylus may not be able to track the grooves in the record properly, which can cause it to skip. If the tracking force is too high, it can damage the record.
- Improper alignment of the stylus: The stylus should be aligned so that it is parallel to the record surface. If the stylus is not aligned properly, it can cause it to skip.
- Vibration: If the record player is not properly isolated from vibration, it can cause the stylus to skip. You can try to isolate the record player by placing it on a thick rug or foam pad.
- Damaged turntable: If the turntable is damaged, it can cause the stylus to skip. If you suspect that the turntable is damaged, you should take it to a qualified technician for repair.
If your record player is skipping, you can try to troubleshoot the problem by following these steps:
- Clean the record.
- Adjust the tracking force.
- Align the stylus.
- Reduce vibration.
- Take the record player to a qualified technician for repair.
If you have tried all of these steps and the record player is still skipping, you may need to replace the stylus or the record player itself.
It is important to note that skipping is not always a sign of a problem with the record player. It can also be caused by the record itself. For example, records that are dirty, scratched, or warped are more likely to skip.
If you are concerned about your record player skipping, you can take steps to prevent it, such as cleaning the record regularly and keeping the record player in a stable environment.
