Sound issues from Magnavox Micromatic / needle question

So I picked up this Micromatic a few months ago and finally got around to locating a needle for it. It runs perfectly except for one thing; it plays back my records at a slower rate than it should. I'm not sure what the issue could be and was wondering if anyone here has run into an issue like this in the past? If so, how did you remedy it? Also, and please bear in mind that this is my first venture into the world of vintage audio, the needle I have has two sides to it yet both say LP. I believe one side is for 78s. How do I go about finding out which is which? Thanks in advance for our help, all.





Either way, I'm quite proud of her.

Both sides of the needle are for Lp. The one you have is 557-DS77. You need to find needle number 557-DS73. (D = diamond on the Lp side; S = sapphire on the flip side. 7 = .7 mil tip for stereo records; 3 = 3 mil tip for 78s.)

The speed issue is likely a gummed up motor. You'll have to take off the back and remove the turntable. Then take the clip off the turntable platter and remove the platter. Next, remove the screws holding the motor. Then you can disassemble the motor, clean it with alcohol, add a drop of motor oil (SAE 20, available at hardware stores from 3-in-1, but in a blue and white bottle) to each bushing. Clean the rubber idler wheel and the inside edge of the platter. Reassemble in reverse order and all should be well.

Fantastic! Thanks so much! Looks lie I have a project for the weekend. Will post here with results when completed.

I have that exact cabinet in my living room, but I think my amp is newer and has a W800 series turntable. Gerryu21220 a good description of what needs to be done. A friend inquired about the same issues a few days ago, so I'll post some pics of what I sent him. Congratulations on your new acquisition!

P.S. Put your upper sliding top on the left. That way, your lamp or what other decorations won't be disturbed when you slide open the lower lid. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Oops - one thing I just noticed: your turntable is the kind that can be removed from the top. No need to remove the back of the cabinet. Just rotate the two plastic locking tabs 90° and gently pull them out, and then lift the turntable out. Disconnect the wiring harnesses (there may be only one, but most have two) by pulling the plastic plug(s) from the underside of the turntable.

Two notes on that turntable:

1. When reassembling the motor, leave the screws slightly loose. power up the motor, then tap the shaft and it will start running. Then tighten the screws while it is running. This aligns the bearings.

2. If the rubber motor mounts are shrunken, the motor shaft might not align perfectly with the idler wheel, with the wheel touching two steps simultaneously. If the adjustment is out of range, put a washer under each rubber mount.