Motorola SK13M Questions

Hello everyone,
My boyfriend and I just purchased this phonograph yesterday at a local antique shop for $25. We just wanted to see if we could get some more info on it. It is a beautiful machine and plays great. Does anyone know the year that it was manufactured? Also we were wondering if we needed to replace the needle. When we have tried to play LPs they skip almost without exception. 45s play great. So, if anyone has any info on the type of needle that this machine would take that would be appreciated as well. We are ecstatic with it, and want to take care of it, just need to know these things. Thanks so much.
Emily and Aaron

Yes, skipping is very good sign of worn needle or it may not be seating right when you flip over. A 7x magnifier will clearly show a worn needle. Your set dates to '58/59. SAMS data indicates your cartridge is an Astatic 13-TB. A replacement diamond needle is Jensen S69XDD. With Set Model number, cartridge number, and needle number you should be able to locate one or a sub. A web search will turn up some reliable sources for needles. Even Ebay has some good vendors operating stores. Good luck.

LP and 45 use the same needle. It's amazing that one skips and the other doesn't.

Usual causes of skipping:

- Damaged or missing stylus

- Pickup leads caught or tight

- Wrong stylus pressure (this could cause it if the skipping records are stereo and the ones that play are mono)

- Trying to play stereo record with mono cartridge (this could cause it if the skipping records are stereo and the ones that play are mono)

- Binding in pickup arm shaft

- Binding in trip mechanism

- Arm control mechanism not disengaging

You guys rule! Thanks for all the help. We finally got the guts to take the needle off and clean it. We sprayed it with some compressed air and swabbed off the needle and it is better. Something new to learn is always fun....now on to the vinyl search.....oh, by the way, John Denver thanks you!