Garrard SL 65 wobble and spring

[Moonwatcher]

No, wobble and spring is not a British dish of leftovers. I found this changer on Craigslist for a bit of nothing, but the platter wobbles up and down as it spins. See video below:

Also, there is a small spring under the tonearm pivot with a loose, unattached end. I did download the service manual but the drawing/photo of that pivot doesn't look the same to me. Does anyone have any idea where that end of the spring would attach?

Finally, the phillips screw just above that allegedly controls the stylus set-down position, but I couldn't turn it. I need the needle to set down a little farther in.

Thanks a million for any suggestions!

 

[audiojones]

I’ve got a feeling that the other end of that spring goes to the stylus force dial on the back of the arm. Unfortunately the turntable platter “swimming” issue is most likely a factory defect. I’ve run across a couple of SL-65 changers in the past with that same problem, I think there might have been a casting issue with some of them. IIRC I read a review (can’t remember if it was Consumer Reports or some HIFI magazine) that said they had to exchange their brand new sample for another one because of the platter swimming issue.
Set down position is the small slotted screw near the bottom of the arm to the right of the spring end in your picture.

 

[Moonwatcher]

Thanks! I read somewhere about using a hammer and screwdriver to knock it into position, but if it's a casting problem . . .

I will research whether swimming actually affects the sound or speed.

Thanks again for your expertise!

 

[audiojones]

You’re welcome, sorry you got a bad one. Unfortunately it does affect the sound in that it’s like playing a warped record. As the arm rises and falls the speed increases and decreases causing a “wow” effect (especially noticeable on steady notes). I don’t know if there’s a fix like shimming one side of the platter or knocking the shaft to straighten it out, if there is I’ve never found it (though I’ve never looked into it much I guess). Good luck, if you find a way to correct it please let us know.