jhaan92
A Work In Progress...
The Pioneer 4-MC does not come with a field replaceable stylus as it is a moving coil. Cantaliever or complete cartridge replacement are unfortunately the only two options. In my opinion though, there are much better carts available than the 4-MC.
If he has the A model, like mine, it will either be a corrosion issue as a_retent suggested or a failed muting switch.
After repairing a number of Pioneer's 1000 series tables, either scenario is a possibility. I have yet to see damaged tone arm wiring (unless a previous person "attempted" repairs). As for the muting circuit, it basically (in my hazy memory) shorts the tone arm/head shell wiring so that you do not get the dreaded thump/pop when you drop the needle in the lead in grooves or on the lead out grooves.
As for the rubber suspension deterioration, that is also correct. My suspicion is that Pioneer used a natural form of rubber, not silicone, which is prone to deterioration over time. There is a gentleman somewhere in the vast space known as the internet that makes identical replacement spring suspension seats from his own custom made molds. They are made from a silicone base, and last time I checked, they were $40 for a set. He sold them on ebay for a while, but last I heard he was on Etsy. If I can find the original shipping box I can find his name.
The tone arm lift belt is the final issue these tables have. Replacement belts are readily available, and the lift belt fits both 1000 series (and Phase Linear 8000) tables. Be warned though, it takes some major finesse to take the top deck off without damaging the paint finish or the tone arm assembly.
PM me if you have any questions.
Best Regards,
-Jason
If he has the A model, like mine, it will either be a corrosion issue as a_retent suggested or a failed muting switch.
After repairing a number of Pioneer's 1000 series tables, either scenario is a possibility. I have yet to see damaged tone arm wiring (unless a previous person "attempted" repairs). As for the muting circuit, it basically (in my hazy memory) shorts the tone arm/head shell wiring so that you do not get the dreaded thump/pop when you drop the needle in the lead in grooves or on the lead out grooves.
As for the rubber suspension deterioration, that is also correct. My suspicion is that Pioneer used a natural form of rubber, not silicone, which is prone to deterioration over time. There is a gentleman somewhere in the vast space known as the internet that makes identical replacement spring suspension seats from his own custom made molds. They are made from a silicone base, and last time I checked, they were $40 for a set. He sold them on ebay for a while, but last I heard he was on Etsy. If I can find the original shipping box I can find his name.
The tone arm lift belt is the final issue these tables have. Replacement belts are readily available, and the lift belt fits both 1000 series (and Phase Linear 8000) tables. Be warned though, it takes some major finesse to take the top deck off without damaging the paint finish or the tone arm assembly.
PM me if you have any questions.
Best Regards,
-Jason
