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I have a Technics SL-Q2 with strange problem

M

modman

New Member
I recently got this turntable in pretty good condition. The problem it has is when it reaches a little before half-way through the record it'll skip randomly. I've tried brand new clean records and it'll skip with them and replay the same groove over and over. It might have something to do with the anti-skate but I have no clue....:thumbsdn:
 
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modman said:
I recently got this turntable in pretty good condition. The problem it has is when it reaches a little before half-way through the record it'll skip randomly. I've tried brand new clean records and it'll skip with them and replay the same groove over and over. It might have something to do with the anti-skate but I have no clue....:thumbsdn:
Click to expand...

The tonearm is binding. It could be due to the automatic linkage not being totally disengaged, the tonearm wires binding or the horizontal tonearm bearings being damaged or too tight. Anti-skate is remotely possible but not likely.

If you haven't already, you might want to download the service manual at VinylEngine.com. You'll need it.

John
 
If you move the tonearm by hand, does it feel "free" in all directions over the playing surface of the record?
 
number13 said:
A bit too much anti-skate perhaps?
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Yeah, I probably shouldn't have dismissed this so quickly. What cartridge and stylus are you using? What tracking force are you using? How did you set the tracking force? What anti-skate setting are you using?

John
 
WaynerN said:
If you move the tonearm by hand, does it feel "free" in all directions over the playing surface of the record?
Click to expand...

modman said:
It feels really smooth...
Click to expand...

Rather than moving it by hand, try balancing the tonearm to zero so that it floats, set the anti-skate to zero and then, with the table level and the arm near the rest, blow on the arm from the side. It should swing all the way in toward the spindle without hesitation and without your needing to suddenly blow harder to keep it moving.

John
 
boreas said:
Rather than moving it by hand, try balancing the tonearm to zero so that it floats, set the anti-skate to zero and then, with the table level and the arm near the rest, blow on the arm from the side. It should swing all the way in toward the spindle without hesitation and without your needing to suddenly blow harder to keep it moving.

John
Click to expand...

It's pretty stiff, With anti-skate at zero and blowing on it doesn't really move at all. Comparing it to my SL-1200s it's super stiff.
 
modman said:
It's pretty stiff, With anti-skate at zero and blowing on it doesn't really move at all. Comparing it to my SL-1200s it's super stiff.
Click to expand...

That's what I was afraid of. We're back to looking for possible reasons for why it's binding. With luck, it will be the tonearm wires starting to tug a little on the arm as the stylus moves in toward the spindle. That's a fairly easy fix and fairly easy to diagnose if you can get inside and then move the arm by hand while watching the tonearm wires. While doing that, watch the linkage also to make sure that it's fully released. The bearings may be the least likely of the major problems since I'm thinking the drag on the arm would happen at every point on the record. :dunno:

John
 
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