If you’re a vinyl enthusiast, you know that maintaining your turntable is essential to keeping your records sounding their best.
But what do you do when you need to remove the turntable from your record player? It can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the inner workings of your equipment.
But fear not, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to safely and easily remove the turntable from your record player, no matter what type of player you have.
So grab your screwdriver and let’s get started!
How To Remove Turntable From Record Player
Before we begin, it’s important to note that you should always unplug your record player before attempting any maintenance or repairs. This will prevent any possible electrocution and is better for the motor.
Step 1: Remove the slip mat or platter mat
The first step in removing the turntable from your record player is to remove the slip mat or platter mat. This is the surface on which the record sits. Simply peel it off and set it aside.
Step 2: Remove the platter
Next, you’ll need to remove the platter. This is the round component directly beneath the slip mat or platter mat. It is generally made from either metal or plastic.
To remove the platter, you’ll need to locate the bolts that are holding it in place. These bolts are usually located on the top of the turntable and go through the top of the console cabinet. There may be variations depending on your specific model, so be sure to consult your manual if you’re unsure.
Step 3: Remove the retaining clips
Once you’ve located the bolts, you’ll need to remove any retaining clips that are holding the platter in place. These clips can be rectangular with one rounded end or round with a rubber washer and pinch tabs. Pinching the tabs together allows you to slide the clip down and off the bolt.
If your turntable has plastic slider clips, you’ll need to turn them 90 degrees to allow the turntable to lift up and out. If your turntable has bolts from the top of the deck, simply unscrew them to release the turntable.
Step 4: Lift off the turntable
With all retaining clips removed, you can now lift off the turntable. Be sure to lift it straight up and out to avoid damaging any of the components underneath.
Step 5: Clean and maintain
Now that you’ve successfully removed your turntable, it’s a good time to clean and maintain it. Turn the platter upside down on a flat surface so you can clean the motor, especially if it has collected dust. If you have been using it for a while, it will almost certainly have gathered dust.
Why You Might Need To Remove The Turntable
There are a few reasons why you might need to remove the turntable from your record player. One common reason is to replace the turntable belt. Over time, the belt can become worn or loose, causing the turntable to spin too slowly or not at all. To replace the belt, you’ll need to remove the turntable from the record player.
Another reason you might need to remove the turntable is to clean and maintain it. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the turntable and its components, affecting sound quality and potentially causing skipping. By removing the turntable, you can easily access and clean these components.
Additionally, if you’re experiencing issues with the motor or other internal components of your record player, you may need to remove the turntable to access and diagnose the problem. It’s important to note that if you’re not confident in your ability to troubleshoot and repair your record player, it’s best to seek professional help rather than attempting repairs yourself.
Tools You’ll Need For The Job
To remove the turntable from your record player, you’ll need a few basic tools. First and foremost, make sure you have a flat-head screwdriver, as this will be used to remove any bolts or retaining clips. Additionally, it’s helpful to have a stylus gauge on hand to ensure proper tracking force when reassembling the turntable.
Depending on your specific model, you may also need a pair of pliers to help remove retaining clips or bolts. If your turntable has Allen-type screws holding the cartridge in place, you’ll need an Allen key to remove them. A standard phase tester screwdriver is also useful for adjusting the tracking force.
While not strictly necessary, a cartridge alignment protractor can be helpful for ensuring proper alignment of the cartridge when reassembling the turntable. This tool attaches to the spindle in the middle of the turntable and helps ensure that the cartridge is parallel to the grid lines on the protractor.
How To Remove The Turntable On A Belt-driven Player
If your record player is belt-driven, there are a few additional steps you’ll need to take to remove the turntable. First, you’ll need to locate the belt and remove it from the motor pulley. This can usually be done by gently pulling on the belt until it slides off the pulley.
Next, you’ll need to remove the platter as described in Step 2 above. However, with a belt-driven turntable, you may also need to remove the belt from around the platter. To do this, carefully lift up the platter and remove the belt from around its circumference.
Once the belt is removed and the platter is lifted off, you can clean and maintain both components as described in Step 5 above. When it’s time to reassemble your record player, simply reverse these steps to put everything back together.
How To Remove The Turntable On A Direct-drive Player
Removing the turntable on a direct-drive player, such as a Technics turntable, can be a bit more challenging than on a belt-drive player. However, it is still a relatively straightforward process.
Step 1: Remove the slip mat or platter mat
As with any turntable, the first step is to remove the slip mat or platter mat from the top of the turntable.
Step 2: Grasp the platter
Unlike on a belt-drive player, you cannot simply lift the platter off of a direct-drive player. Instead, you will need to grasp the platter firmly with both hands.
Step 3: Tap the spindle
While pulling upwards on the platter, tap the spindle in the center of the turntable with the handle of a screwdriver or other tool. This tapping motion will help to loosen the platter from the spindle.
Step 4: Lift off the platter
With continued upward pressure and tapping, the platter should eventually lift straight off of the turntable. Be careful not to damage any of the components underneath as you lift off the platter.
It is important to note that if your direct-drive player has retaining clips holding the platter in place, you will need to remove these before attempting to lift off the platter. These clips can be rectangular with one rounded end or round with a rubber washer and pinch tabs. Pinching the tabs together allows you to slide the clip down and off the bolt.
Once you have successfully removed your turntable, it is important to clean and maintain it properly. Turn the platter upside down on a flat surface so you can clean any dust or debris that may have collected on the motor or other components. This will help ensure that your turntable continues to function properly and provide great sound for years to come.
Tips For Safely Handling The Turntable During Removal
When removing the turntable from your record player, it’s important to handle it with care to avoid any damage. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Be gentle: The turntable is a delicate component of your record player, so handle it with care. Avoid putting too much pressure on it or twisting it in any way.
2. Use both hands: When lifting the turntable, use both hands to ensure that you have a firm grip. This will help prevent any accidental drops or slips.
3. Lift straight up: When removing the turntable, lift it straight up and out to avoid damaging any of the components underneath. Avoid tilting or twisting the turntable as you lift it.
4. Keep it level: As you remove the turntable, keep it level to avoid any damage to the tonearm or stylus.
5. Clean before reassembly: Before reassembling the turntable, take the time to clean and maintain it. This will help ensure that it continues to function properly and sound great.
By following these tips, you can safely remove your turntable from your record player and keep it in top condition for years to come.
Troubleshooting Common Issues During Removal
While removing the turntable from your record player, there may be some common issues that you encounter. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you:
Issue 1: Bolts won’t budge
If you’re having trouble unscrewing the bolts that hold the platter in place, try using a pair of pliers or a wrench to get a better grip. Be careful not to strip the bolts or damage the top of the console cabinet.
Issue 2: Retaining clips won’t come off
If the retaining clips are difficult to remove, try using a pair of pliers to gently squeeze and wiggle them until they come loose. Be careful not to damage the clips or any other components.
Issue 3: Turntable won’t lift off
If the turntable won’t lift off, double-check that all retaining clips and bolts have been removed. If everything is clear, try gently wiggling the turntable back and forth until it comes loose. Be careful not to damage any of the components underneath.
Issue 4: Motor won’t spin
If you notice that the motor isn’t spinning when you remove the turntable, it may be dirty or in need of maintenance. Try cleaning the motor with a soft cloth and some rubbing alcohol. If this doesn’t work, consult your manual or take your record player to a professional for repair.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can successfully remove your turntable from your record player and keep it in good working condition. Remember to always unplug your record player before attempting any maintenance or repairs.
