LP question

nadams

This may be a very basic question, but I'm going to ask it anyway. This evening, I wanted to listen to a certain song on the LP of Cat Stevens' "Teaser and the Firecat", so I dropped the needle right at the beginning of the song. Well, it didn't exactly sound good..... the pitch was all over the place and wasn't staying steady at all. So I moved to a different song on the record, same thing. Tried turning the TT off and back on, no luck. Finally I tried playing it from the beginning of the side, and everything went fine, all through the record.

What, exactly, is going on?

madmax

Maybe the belt has hardened into the static shape it has been in for awhile? Maybe the motor lubrication has sludged up and cleared out on its own? Maybe a combination of above and the lp has a slight warp or the hole is not in the center? Maybe a drop of oil has dripped somewhere on the belt path?

madmax

nadams

After thinking about it for a bit, I think it might have something to do with the stupid automatic return thing (which doesn't work anyway). Not sure, though, I'll have to dig in a little deeper. Thanks for your suggestions, madmax

Tour2ma

Non-constant platter speed for whatever reason (including those Max listed).

What TT do you have?

nadams

The TT is a Marantz TT140. The belt is in good shape, I know this because it had come off during transport. I don't know that there might be some oil or something on it. Like I said, the TT is supposed to have an automatic return, but it doesn't work. It might be causing some undue problems. I think i'll completely unhook it, since it doesn't work anyway...

Tour2ma

If the belt came off, it may be stretched a bit and slipping.. doesn't take much.

You can try cleaning it, the pulley and the platter rim the belt rides on with denatured alcohol, NOT isopropyl. Following this dust the dried belt with talcum powder.