The First-Aid Kit: A Simple Fix-It Guide
Is your turntable acting up? Don't panic. 99% of the problems you'll encounter are common and have a simple fix. Let's walk through the most frequent issues.
Problem #1: My record is skipping!
This is the most common issue. The needle might jump forward, or get stuck repeating the same groove. Before you blame the record, check two things.
The Fixes:
- Check Your Surface: Is your turntable on a wobbly table or an unstable floor? Any vibration can make a stylus jump. Make sure your player is on a solid, level surface, ideally separate from your speakers.
- Check for Debris: A tiny speck of dust or debris in the groove is all it takes to throw the needle off track. Even new records can have paper fragments from the sleeve. Give the record a quick clean with a carbon fiber brush.
Problem #2: The music sounds fuzzy or distorted.
The record is playing, but it just sounds wrong—muffled, unclear, or full of static.
The Fixes:
- Did you remove the stylus guard? Most new players have a small, clear plastic cover over the needle for protection. It's very easy to forget to remove it. If it's on, the music will sound terrible. Gently pull it straight off.
- Clean your stylus. A surprising amount of dust can gather on the needle tip, turning into a "dust bunny" that will make everything sound awful. Gently clean it with a stylus brush (always brush from back to front only!).
Problem #3: There's a loud hum, or sound is missing.
You drop the needle, but all you hear is a low electrical hum, or maybe the sound is only coming from one speaker.
The Fix:
This is almost always a connection issue. If you're using external speakers, check the Red and White RCA cables coming out of your turntable. Make sure they are plugged securely into the correct input on your speakers or amplifier. A loose plug is the number one cause of hum or a dropped channel.
Still Having Trouble?
These three fixes solve most beginner issues. If you're still running into problems, or you're ready to learn about more advanced topics like tracking force and anti-skate, check out our full FAQ Page for more answers.
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