[Vintage-Audio] Turntables that won't

[Robert Nickels]

I like vinyl, I really do.  That's why I still have a massive pile of 
LPs and 45s despite not having a decent way to play them.  As Duane 
knows, I found some Anita Kerr LPs at a charity book sale a couple of 
years ago, and at the latest one this week I picked up a few other LPs 
that also appeared to my eye to be virgins, never played, or at least 
not nearly as much as my old Led Zeppelin II, which I think I wore clear 
through.

All of which created demand for a decent, working turntable.  Among the 
collection here I have a Dual 1229 that I think qualifies, or would, if 
it worked right.  At least I remember it cost a lot more than I could 
afford to spend on a turntable back in the day of my old Garrard.

The first problem is it takes about as much time and effort to get up to 
speed as I do on a cold winter morning before coffee.  But once the 
platter starts spinning, it seems to be at the right speed, according to 
the built-in strobe.  Good!

But as soon as I try to play a record, problems begin.   The biggest 
problem is side-pressure that prevents the tonearm from tracking across 
the grooves.  When it inevitably gets "stuck", I can feel pressure 
holding the arm from moving.  This pressure seems to originate in a 
circular mechanism near the pivot which is controlled by a "Tracking" 
lever that can be moved between single and multiple play positions.  I 
seem to get this resistance in both positions of the Tracking lever.

Admittedly I'm better with a soldering iron than with a wrench, but I'd 
appreciate in any suggestions.  Luckily I found a service manual online 
from a place called The Vinyl Engine, which hopefully will  help avoid 
having  unobtainable invisible pieces flying across the room as I tear 
into this thing.

Meanwhile, any  hints from one who has been there, done that would be 
appreciated!

73, Bob W9RAN