So I need a tonearm, where do I look?

[mistro]

Last week, I acquired an Akai stack from the original owner, Joe, a submariner stationed in Japan around 1982. (Akai AT-K33 Tuner, Akai EA-G40 Graphic Equalizer, Akai CS-F11 Cassette, Akai AM-U33 Amplifier) Some boxes, original receipts. Pretty cool, these stories are one of the cool things about collecting.

At the last moment he mentions that he'll include an Akai turntable AP-D33 with an issue that's at a repair shop. He pays the minor bill on this TT and I call the tech today, the tonearm is broken where the counterweight attaches so I need a new tonearm (part number TPB 340130). The tech just isn't that interested in searching for this tonearm, so I tell him I'll pick up the unit.

I checked with Rob at Organ Parts, looked in marketplace, the Bay, no joy, so where should I look for this tonearm? I can sit on this and wait but if there is a resource I should be checking, please let me know. TIA Mike

 

[Balifly]

I have the same Akai AP-D33 and another model that have this problem.

The hard rubber had deteriorated and the counter weight droops at the back.

You need to remove it and replace it with a similar piece of hard rubber or teflon.

Do a forum search and you will see that other people had the same problem. :yes:

 

[mistro]

so Balifly you have done this repair? Where did you find the hard rubber or Teflon? TIA Mike

 

[Balifly]

No repair on my, I just let the counter weight droop.

Does not hinder the tone arm function at this point.

Looks a bit odd though.

 

[savatage1973]

perhaps a quick visit to Vinyl Engine's website might be in order