Need help with a old turntable my grandfather gave me...

c_corie
c_corie Posts: 138
edited July 2013 in 2 Channel Audio
He wasn't using it so he gave it to me. It's a late 60's? Weathers ML-66A with a Pickering XV-15 Cartridge but it has no needle? I'm new to vinyl...the table appears to turn, I'm assuming I just need to get a needle that fits and be on my way? My Marantz PM6004 has a phono stage which I assume will work for now.
Post edited by c_corie on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited July 2013
    I believe Snow is selling some NOS stylis's in the flea market. But to answer your question yes, you need a replacement stylis or new cartridge.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited July 2013
    I'd also recommend that you get the tt serviced and checked out since it has not been used for a long time. It would be a good idea to get it cleaned, calibrated, lubricated, etc. And (unless you know how to do it yourself) you should have the new cartridge/stylus mounted and tracking checked, etc. Although it appears to play ok, if you use it and things are off kilter in some way, that is a good way to damage your vinyl.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • c_corie
    c_corie Posts: 138
    edited July 2013
    pglbook wrote: »
    I'd also recommend that you get the tt serviced and checked out since it has not been used for a long time. It would be a good idea to get it cleaned, calibrated, lubricated, etc. And (unless you know how to do it yourself) you should have the new cartridge/stylus mounted and tracking checked, etc. Although it appears to play ok, if you use it and things are off kilter in some way, that is a good way to damage your vinyl.


    It has a needle/stylus I didn't realize how tiny it was...LOL

    He also gave me a gauge to measure tracking force, but I'm not sure what it should be? I assume tracking force is the really what could cause damage to vinyl.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,803
    edited July 2013
    There is a cartridge database with specifications for hundreds of cartridges at www.vinylengine.com

    The Weathers is an older machine but should be very well made and very capable. Post a photo if you can and if you want to.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited July 2013
    Weathers had an audio shop about 15 miles from here. Long gone.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited July 2013
    Surplus Sales of Nebraska has parts for Weathers turntables:

    http://www.surplussales.com/Equipment/weathers.html
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,803
    edited July 2013
    strider wrote: »
    Surplus Sales of Nebraska has parts for Weathers turntables:

    http://www.surplussales.com/Equipment/weathers.html

    Whoa that is so cool! How could I not have known this?! I have looked at their website many times before, but failed to notice this...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited July 2013
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    How could I not have known this?!...

    Cause you're not as cool as Ben is.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,803
    edited July 2013
    Nail head has been met by hammer.

    I want some of those arm blanks...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • xjghost
    xjghost Posts: 1,101
    edited July 2013
    I got my Needle for my techniques at the Needle Dr. I did not know what cartridge I had or what needle I needed. They had me photograph them and email the pictures then responded very quickly as to what I needed. I highly recommend them. http://www.needledoctor.com/
    HT/2Channel: Emotiva MMC-1, Adcom GFA-555II, Polk SDA 3.1's, Teac TN-300 TT, Polk Center and Sub.

    Bedroom system: Carver CT-24, Parasound HCA-800II, Monitor 10's

    Additional projects: RTA 12c's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter