Put the replacement belt as close to the center as possible for the best accuracy.Make sure the new belt is straightened out and stretched, before placing it over the center hub of the platter.Place New Belt Over Center Hub Of Platter If you have been using it a while, it will almost certainly have gathered dust. Turn the platter upside down on a flat surface so you can clean the motor, especially if it has collected dust.It is generally made from either metal or plastic. This is the round component directly beneath the slip mat. No only does this prevent possible electrocution, but it is also better for the motor. Make sure to unplug the record player before doing anything (this should go without saying, but I’m saying it anyway).If you lost yours, you can often find them online, or get a replacement by contacting the manufacturer. Obviously, it is best if you have specific instructions for your model of player that you can follow. The following are generally instruction for all record players. An online search is generally the easiest, but you should also consider contacting the manufacturer or one of their distributors, if you are having a hard time finding the answer elsewhere. That said, the best way to ensure you get the correct size is to research exactly what size belt your model uses. Subtract at least 5 to 10 mm to get the closest possible length for the replacement belt If you no longer have the broken belt, you can remove the record player platter and measure the circumference of the hub.Accurately measure the belt’s complete width.Make sure that the belt is stretched when measuring the length then subtract at least 5 to 10 mm to account for wear and tear.If you plan on using you old belt to determine the size of the replacement, follow these guidelines: “Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC replacement belt”). The easiest way to ensure you get the right size is by searching online and typing your record player’s name followed by “replacement belt” (e.g. Using the wrong-sized belt will only lead to more problems. You need to consider the length, width and overall thickness of the belt. Not all belts are compatible with every turntable. You want to make sure you get the right one. Sometimes, you only need to put the existing belt back in its correct position, but other times, you will need to get a new one altogether. If you learn that your turntable is spinning too fast or too slow, or not spinning at all, then you need to fix the belt. Some countries use 50 Hz, which is also marked on the disk linked to above. That is the frequency of a standard light fixture in the US. Obviously, we don’t all have a strobe light, but there are phone apps that perform this function.Įven better, get a disk that is meant for a 60 Hz frequency light, like the one linked to above. As it spins, a strobe light illuminates it at a specific frequency and when the markings on the disk appear to be stationary, it is spinning at the correct speed. You put the strobe disk on the turntable and turn it on, so that the disk spins. The best way to be sure is to get a strobe disk.Ī strobe disk will tell you if your turntable is spinning at the correct speed or not, even if it is only slightly off.
If it is only slightly off from its normal speed, you may not be able to tell there is a problem. It is sometimes difficult to tell if you have a broken belt, in cases where the turntable is still spinning. There is a change in speed as soon as the needle hits the record – either faster or slower.Your records sound lower pitched (i.e.Here are some other indicators that the belt needs replacing: The best indicator that you need to replace the belt is if the record player turns on, but the turntable does not spin.Įven if it does spin, you may have a broken belt.