Micro Seiki BL-51 turntable...please help a newbie to vinyl

[raven]

Hi All
I'm thinking of starting vinyl and was offered this Micro Seiki BL-51 turntable. Anyone knows anything about this turntable?

And in general, what to look out for when buying an old turntable?

Thanks.

 

[Yamaha B-2]

Micro Seiki turntables are excellent quality. If the table is clean and seems to operate well it is probably OK. They are so simple that only really need to worry about the spindle bearing, but a couple of drops of oil every-other-year, or so, is all they take. If auto or semi-auto in operation, these mechanical functions (parts) can wear out if not kept lubricated (generally light grease). Occasionally the damping reservoir (lets the arm down slowly) can go dry and needs to be refilled (I'm doing this next week on my YP-D71). Check to see if the arm drops slowly when cued down onto the record. If drops too quickly then something needs attention. If belt drive would be good to start off with a new belt. They are available for almost any turntable made in the last 50 years. An expensive one would be $20. Is nice to have a decent dustcover. There are several aftermarket custom makers of same, so you can always get one made for any table. The bigger and more complex tend to make expensive, though. On rare occasions the bearings in the arm will need to be tightened and lubricated. This is generally a job for a professional, though. check the wires and make sure the clips that go onto the back of the cartridge are all in good shape. They are easily broken by olafs. Make sure the table sits level on a level surface. If not, check that the feet can be adjust to make it do so. If a suspended table, make sure the springs or whatever are not collapsed. The go have fun!! Nothing sounds as good as good LP played on a competent rig. And a Micro Seiki is most competent.