Taking apart a victrola record player may seem intimidating at first, but with the right guidance and tools, it can be an easy and rewarding project. This article will walk you through the process of disassembling a vintage victrola for cleaning, repairs, and restoration. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about this process.
1. The Victrola Won’t Turn On
It is very common for people to panic when their record player won’t turn on, but the first thing they should do is make sure that it’s actually plugged in. It’s also important to check that the power switch is in the on position. If this is the case, the problem is likely that the turntable belt is not hooked up correctly. To fix this, line up the platter with the motor spindle and manually spin it two full rotations clockwise and counter-clockwise to hook the belt onto it.
If the platter is not spinning and there are no obvious issues with the RCA connections, it’s very possible that there is a blown fuse. These units have a special power supply that converts AC electricity to DC electricity and plugs into a standard outlet (these are often referred to as “wall warts”). If the fuse is blown, there will be a short in the circuit and the unit will not turn on. It’s recommended to replace the fuse before continuing with the repair. Trying to work on a Victrola with a broken fuse could result in severe electrical burns or worse.
