Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking to replace your turntable belt?
It’s important to know that not all turntable belts are created equal. In fact, the size of your turntable belt can greatly affect the performance of your record player.
A bad fit can cause your records to skip or not play at all. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore why turntable belts are not universal and how to find the right size for your specific record player.
So, let’s dive in and discover the importance of selecting the correct turntable belt size.
Are All Turntable Belts The Same Size
The short answer is no, not all turntable belts are the same size.
Just like car engines, turntable belts come in various widths, lengths, and thicknesses. These differences can greatly affect how your records play.
If you’re wondering whether you can just install any belt in your turntable, the answer is no. Each model has its specific replacement belt. A turntable belt is a crucial part of the turntable responsible for spinning the motors and playing the record. The belt connects the motor to the platter, which in turn rotates the vinyl record.
Using the wrong size belt can cause your turntable to not spin properly or even damage your record player. It’s important to match the replacement turntable belt to your specific record player model.
Understanding Turntable Belts
To understand turntable belts, it’s important to know that they are made of rubber and come in various sizes. The standard belt size is 5mm wide and 0.6mm thick, with diameters ranging from 60mm to 292mm. However, not all turntables use these standard sizes.
To determine the correct size for your turntable, you need to measure the diameter of the subplatter. The subplatter is the cylindrical section on the underside of the platter that the belt goes around. Measure the diameter (the distance across, not around) of the subplatter, which is usually in the range of 140mm to 210mm. Then choose the belt size just below that measurement. For example, if the diameter is 198mm, choose a 195 belt.
It’s essential to use the correct size belt for your turntable. Using a belt that is too short can cause too much pressure and friction on the motor bearing, causing the motor to tilt and the belt to ride in the wrong location. This can damage your record player and affect how your records play.
The Importance Of Correct Turntable Belt Size
Using the correct size turntable belt is crucial to ensure your record player functions properly and your records play correctly. If the belt is too loose, it can cause the motor to slip, resulting in a slower or faster playback speed. On the other hand, if the belt is too tight, it can put too much pressure on the motor bearings, causing damage to the motor or even the turntable itself.
It’s important to note that not all belts are created equal, and the width, length, and thickness of a belt can differ depending on the model of your turntable. Using a belt that is too thick or too thin can cause issues with playback speed and even damage your records.
To ensure you have the correct size belt for your turntable, it’s important to consult your turntable’s manual or do research online to find the appropriate replacement belt for your specific model. It’s also important to purchase a high-quality belt from a reputable supplier to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
How To Measure Your Turntable Belt
Measuring your turntable belt is an important step in finding the right replacement belt for your record player. Here’s how to do it:
1. Determine the shape of your belt: Turntable belts come in three shapes: flat, round, or square. Identify which shape your belt is.
2. Measure the length of your belt: Pinch both ends of the belt and measure its length. Multiply the pinched length by two (2x). This will give you the total length of the belt.
3. Measure the width or thickness of your belt: If your turntable uses a flat belt, measure its width. If it uses a round or square belt, measure its thickness.
4. Identify the make and model of your turntable: Knowing the make and model of your turntable is crucial in finding the right replacement belt.
5. Use a string to measure if necessary: If you do not have the turntable belt or it is damaged, use a piece of string to follow the belt’s path around the pulleys. Measure the length of the string and use this measurement to determine the length of your replacement belt.
6. Use a manufacturer’s guide if available: Many manufacturers provide guides to help you find the right replacement belt for your turntable. Check for these guides online or contact the manufacturer directly.
Remember, it’s important to find the right size replacement belt for your turntable to ensure proper functioning and prevent damage to your record player. If you’re unsure about how to measure your turntable belt, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance.
Common Turntable Belt Sizes
Here are some common turntable belt sizes that you may come across:
1. 23.6″ Turntable Platter Belt: This is a narrow belt that is commonly used in older turntable models. It is important to note that not all older turntables use this size belt, so it’s essential to check your model’s specifications.
2. 25.0″ Turntable Platter Belt: This is another narrow belt that is commonly used in older turntable models. It is slightly longer than the 23.6″ belt, and it’s important to check your model’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
3. 28.0″ Turntable Platter Belt: This is a wider belt that is commonly used in newer turntable models. It is important to note that not all newer turntables use this size belt, so it’s essential to check your model’s specifications.
4. 30.0″ Turntable Platter Belt: This is another wider belt that is commonly used in newer turntable models. It is slightly longer than the 28.0″ belt, and it’s important to check your model’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
It’s important to remember that these are just some common turntable belt sizes, and there may be other sizes available for different models. Always check your turntable’s specifications or consult with a professional before purchasing a replacement belt to ensure proper compatibility and avoid damaging your record player or records.
Finding The Right Turntable Belt For Your Record Player
When it comes to finding the right turntable belt for your record player, there are a few things to consider. First, check the manufacturer’s website or manual to see if they offer a recommended replacement belt for your specific model.
If you can’t find this information, you can measure your existing belt to find a replacement. To do this, you’ll need to know the type of belt your turntable uses – flat, round, or square. Pinch both ends of the belt and measure its length, then multiply by two (2x). If you have a flat belt, measure its width. If you have a round or square belt, measure its thickness.
If you don’t have the old belt or it’s shredded, you can use a piece of string to follow the belt’s path and measure its length. Measure the width between the rims of the motor pulley that the belt can pass through without obstruction. Be sure to include the make and model of your turntable with the belt’s measurements when ordering a replacement.
If all else fails, you can use a free belt matching service offered by some turntable belt retailers. Simply provide them with your turntable’s make and model, and they will help you find the right replacement belt.
Remember that using the wrong size or type of turntable belt can cause damage to your record player and records. Take the time to ensure you have the correct replacement before installing it.
Installation Tips For Your New Turntable Belt
Once you have the correct replacement belt for your turntable, it’s important to install it properly. Follow these tips for a successful installation:
1. Lift up the dust cover and remove it from the turntable base.
2. Use your left hand to gently hold the belt in the correct pulley groove. The smaller (top) groove is for 33 RPM and the larger (bottom) groove is for 45 RPM.
3. Continue to gently hold the belt in the groove with your left hand. With your right hand, press the belt against the side of the platter at roughly the 12 o’clock position (the back edge of the platter, closest to the dust cover).
4. Use your right hand to rotate the platter until the belt is fully installed. As you rotate, let the belt slide between your left hand and the pulley groove.
5. Avoid pulling on the belt or pulley during installation. Pulling will lead to excess slack when you release the belt, which may cause it to fall off.
6. Once installed, make sure that the belt is still routed around the motor pulley and that it is taut.
7. If you need to reinstall the belt, remove the platter from the turntable by placing your thumb and a finger in the two circular holes near the spindle and gently lifting the platter straight up.
8. Turn the platter over so that the bottom is facing up, and reinstall the drive belt around the drive rim, which is located about an inch from the platter’s outer edge.
9. Make sure there are no twists in the belt before reinstalling the platter onto the turntable.
10. Follow these steps to reset your turntable’s automatic cycle mechanism before retrying operation: unplug the AC power cord from its source, press and release STOP button, while holding tonearm in tonearm rest with one hand, use your other hand to slowly rotate aluminum record platter in a clockwise direction for at least 10 full revolutions, place a record on record platter, plug AC power cord back into source, and press and release START button.
It’s important to note that while changing a turntable belt is a fairly simple process, it’s also important to be careful during installation. One potential electrical shock can damage your motor, so always exercise caution when handling electronic components. By following these tips, you can ensure that your new turntable belt is installed properly and that your vinyl records will sound great for years to come.
