Even new vinyl records can seem to produce consistent hiss, crackle and pop sounds that interfere with the quality of sound coming from the phonograph. This is usually not a problem with the record unless damage is evident. Instead, the cause of the sound is often the stylus, commonly called the needle.
When a record is played with a misaligned needle or a worn-out needle, it can cause unnecessary noise. Replacing the stylus with a new needle that has a fine point will often prevent these unwanted noises and can even make older records play much better.
If a phonograph player is not coming on at all, then it is likely a problem with the power supply. Over the years, the movement of the player may eventually cause a disconnection in the wires that lead from the outlet to the phonograph itself.
Unplug the phonograph and check the wires for any bare spots or kinks that may be the source of the break in current. If you are familiar with how to splice wires, simply strip the cord down to the bare wires, twist them together, cover the repaired area with electrical tape and try it again. You’ll probably find that it still works. If you are not comfortable working with electrical wires, since they can be dangerous, find someone who regularly deals with them.
If your phonograph appears to be working normally with the exception of the turntable’s inability to spin, then the cause is usually one of two similar problems.
If the player is belt-driven, the belt has likely broken or become stretched to the point that it can no longer grip the wheel to spin the turntable. This will usually require purchasing a new belt through the manufacturer or a store that sells record players, or it may be possible to mend the belt with an adhesive for a temporary fix. Electrical tape can hold it together for a while until you locate a new belt. The belt is located just under the turntable and is typically accessible by lifting the turntable straight up.
Other turntables have what is known as a direct drive motor. If you cannot put your hand on the record and stop it from spinning, you have a direct drive phonograph. When these turntables will not turn, but the power supply seems to be intact, the problem is likely a bad motor. Unfortunately, the average phonograph owner will need to take it to a repair shop to replace the drive motor or purchase a new unit altogether.
One of the most important things you can do for your phonograph is to keep it clean. Keep the turntable free of dust or oil or any other substance that manages to transfer from hands to records to the turntable.
The needle can also become dirty quite easily and may gather lint or oil and cause inconsistency in the sound. Use canned air to blow dust away and wipe the records and turntables down with a dry cotton cloth after use.