need a new Technics Spindle!

[dodog]

Hello everyone. This is my first post here so please be kind. I've perused AK via Google for years but never actually registered/posted. This is a great site with a ton of info.

I recently purchased a Technics SL-1360 (Direct Drive) that, of course, was damaged during shipping. The shipper didn't secure the platter and, amazingly, the dustcover is still intact (a few small cracks and some bad scuffs on the TT base). Unfortunately, this was a 6-LP changer with an "umbrella" style center spindle. Due to the spindle length, the platter came off but not completely loose (maybe what saved the dustcover and platter) but the spindle is about 40-degrees off straight. So, the question is, am I s**t out of luck, or are 1970's era spindles easy to come by? A quick ebay and google search (tried Needle Doctor, no luck) shows that I don't know where to look. Personally, I'll never use the changer function and would be happy with a single-LP spindle replacement.

It looks, and I could be wrong again, that you can't just swap brands (check out http://www.garage-a-records.com/categories.php?cat=147 to see how wildly different these things can be). Are Technics "one-size fits all"? I've put in a question to Panasonic/Technics but I'm not holding my breath.

The one saving grace is that I actually opted for the shipping insurance so I *may* be able to have this paid for (although I've never tried to hold the USPS accountable before). I could try wrenching the spindle back to a respectable shape but am afraid that this may have some bearing on balance. Does anyone know where to look (a link would be very helpful)? Any help would be much appreciated.

Aside from all this, the turntable looks great, the platter spins freely and, when plugged in, the strobe seems to work and it looks like it's keeping good speed. All feet are intact, the mat looks pristine, the RCA/grounding/power cables look great, etc., etc., just the spindle issue. One thing I forgot to mention above is that the spindle comes out of the center hole, quite easily, and sits in place when the platter is spinning (is it supposed to spin as well?). I'm a complete newb to all this and maybe this is supposed to happen, so please don't snicker too much. Let me know if you need any more info. Thanks in advance to any and all feedback.

 

[Hifirob2]

I think the SL-1350 and 1360 had unique spindles for stacking. They were about an inch longer than any other Technics changer (which were interchangeable) due to the deeper base. They show up rarely on ebay, so you'll need some patience.

Rob

 

[dodog]

Rob-

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm not much interested in maintaining a multi-LP spindle as the the thought of an LP dropping onto another is a bit scary. Are there single LP spindles around? Are spindles unique to the kind of TT in question (is there a "universal" Technics or are there wildly different Technics spindles?).

Sorry for being a bit insistent but this is my only TT and I have no other way to play vinyl. I'm starting to panic a bit.

 

[thedelihaus]

Can you pull the spindle and take photos?

The SL-1200 spindle can be bought new, but we'd need to see if they at least look the same.

Other options may be buying a junked 1300/1400/1500.

 

[Hifirob2]

The single "cup" spindle from any Technics changer should fit - since it simply sets on top of the spindle hole. They are tricky to find, also. Ebay would be the place though - I collected Technics changers for a while, and the headache of tracking down the spindles was a challenge. I'm pretty sure the spindle from a 1200 won't fit. On ebay, you'll find many single cup spindles for Dual's. They will NOT fit - I've tried......boy, have I tried. I ended up buying turntables just to get one spindle......It's worth it, though. The 1350 & 1360 are great tables.

Rob

edit - also, I don't think a junked 1300/1400/1500 will work either. It needs to come from a changer model. So look for any belt or direct drive Technics changer. Even the Technics built MCS changers (6700,6701,6710) will work.

 

[dodog]

Well, that's good news and bad. I live in the Midwest, which isn't so bad, except that selection sucks. I bought this TT for ~$30 and the shipping was about the same. If I could avoid spending another ~$60+, that would be great.

Here's a few images of the spindle itself (as best I could, for getting multiple "sides"):

Two things:
1) This is nowhere near a 40-degrees bend (don't know where I pulled that number from).
3) My kids get their hair cut at Cost Cutters.

I checked again, to make sure, and the spindle does not rotate with the platter. Is this what it's supposed to do (remain stationary)?

I know that selling/buying from the forums is a no-no but, if anyone has any quick fixes, I wouldn't mind a PM (is that OK to post that?).

 

[Hifirob2]

The stacking spindles don't turn with the platter - they are inserted into the hole by lining up the key. Then you push down and turn it clockwise about a quarter of a turn. That locks it into the base so it's connected to the mechanism that moves it during the cycle to drop another record.

You may be able to carefully bend it back - although I've never tried it myself. The inner workings of it are very delicate, so it may work - it may not.

The "cup" spindle will be easier to track down than a new stacking spindle, but just maybe someone has one. I listed the 45 RPM stacking spindle for an SL-1350 or 1360 on ebay a while back with a buy-it-now, and it sold almost immediately. So people are looking for these things.....

Rob

 

[Hifirob2]

oh, here is what the single "cup" spindle looks like, so you know what to look for.

I'd also search craigslist and local thrifts for an old Technics changer that has the spindle you need.

Rob

 

[KentTeffeteller]

This part is unavailable from Technics. Hasn't been available new in years. You'll have to find a parts changer or a MCS series parts unit related to your model. The spindle system on the changers is quite different.

 

[dodog]

Well, I guess I'll try to "wrench" the spindle back to true and hope for the best. If anyone can point me in the direction of a "cup" style single adapter or a related Technics or MCS "parts" unit, I'd be much grateful. Something about a spindle that rotates with the LP as opposed to the LP grinding on/around it makes me feel a bit more comfortable. I'll continue to keep an eye out on ebay and Craigslist in the meantime.

 

[Hifirob2]

It may take a while, but if you want to look on ebay, set up some searches, and then you'll get an email when the spindle shows up. I have saved searches for: "Technics spindle", "Technics turntable parts", "MCS Turntable", and some for specific models, like: "Technics SL-1650", "Technics SL-1950", "Technics SL-D5", and so on - using the models numbers from any changer. They can be found on the www.vintagetechnicsinfo.com website. Others include the SL-D500, SL-B5, SL-B500, SL-3350, SL-5350, and the MCS 6700, 6701. and 6710.

Don't worry about the spindle turning with the Lp. It is such a quality, machined piece - made to last.

If you ever want the stacking spindles for your 1360, just make sure you look for a parted out SL-1350 or 1360, since they were specific to those models.

If you are real handy, you may be able to "McGyver" a spindle out of wood or metal yourself. I could post the measurements if you want.

Good luck - I know what an adventure it can be.....lol

Rob

 

[dodog]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. "Hifirob2" pointed me in the appropriate direction and I should be getting a "cup" spindle in a week or so. Also, I was able to wrench the bent spindle and the key now turns into place (don't know if the changer function works, but I won't use it anyway), but it's still off-true.

Thanks again to everyone for being so helpful!

 

[vintage d]

It may take a while, but if you want to look on ebay, set up some searches, and then you'll get an email when the spindle shows up. I have saved searches for: "Technics spindle", "Technics turntable parts", "MCS Turntable", and some for specific models, like: "Technics SL-1650", "Technics SL-1950", "Technics SL-D5", and so on - using the models numbers from any changer. They can be found on the www.vintagetechnicsinfo.com website. Others include the SL-D500, SL-B5, SL-B500, SL-3350, SL-5350, and the MCS 6700, 6701. and 6710.

Don't worry about the spindle turning with the Lp. It is such a quality, machined piece - made to last.

If you ever want the stacking spindles for your 1360, just make sure you look for a parted out SL-1350 or 1360, since they were specific to those models.

If you are real handy, you may be able to "McGyver" a spindle out of wood or metal yourself. I could post the measurements if you want.

Good luck - I know what an adventure it can be.....lol

Rob

Hello HiFiRob2, I purchased a SL-1360 recently without the single spindle but, I have a friend who can turn one for me on a lathe but I need measurements could you please help me out and send me the dims? Can't believe I found this post TIA Dave

 

[mfrench]

a spindle is not hard to make, without a machinist.
I made this with precision hobby brass tubing. This one is brass all the way through. It can also be made with a wood dowel center.

I found the right diameter for the outer sleeve, and reduced inwardly with concentric tubes. I put a solid brass rod as a core to finish it, then rounded it with a Dremel.
A wood dowel would be very fine in the core as well; I've done those as well.

 

[Beatnik]

Hello everyone. This is my first post here so please be kind.

4,661 post later, what do you think of the place ?

 

[Hifirob2]

Hello HiFiRob2, I purchased a SL-1360 recently without the single spindle but, I have a friend who can turn one for me on a lathe but I need measurements could you please help me out and send me the dims? Can't believe I found this post TIA Dave

Sure. The spindle is 25mm high. The base has outer dimensions of 16mm, and inner measurement is 14mm. The lower (wider) section is 12mm high, and the top part of the spindle is 13mm high, and 7mm across.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dan ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ]

Wow....blast from the past thread revival!

 

[vintage d]

single spindle

a spindle is not hard to make, without a machinist.
I made this with precision hobby brass tubing. This one is brass all the way through. It can also be made with a wood dowel center.

I found the right diameter for the outer sleeve, and reduced inwardly with concentric tubes. I put a solid brass rod as a core to finish it, then rounded it with a Dremel.
A wood dowel would be very fine in the core as well; I've done those as well.

Mike, thanks for the info but I actually need a spindle that would spin with the platter and if I use one like the one you made it would not spin due to the stacking ability of my TT. Not sure if I am correct about the spindle needing to spin but it seems to me if it doesn't I might get drag if the hole in the LP is tight. Thanks Dave

 

[vintage d]

Sure. The spindle is 25mm high. The base has outer dimensions of 16mm, and inner measurement is 14mm. The lower (wider) section is 12mm high, and the top part of the spindle is 13mm high, and 7mm across.

Hope this helps.

Thanks loads Rob...now to see how good my friend can spin this.

 

[vintage d]

Wow....blast from the past thread revival!

Yep Celt....lucky for me! :thmbsp: