Rock-ola 78 rpm turntable speed

solomonbil · by **solomonbil** » Wed Aug 07, 2013 5:48 am

Hi, My 1940 Rock-ola Super (deluxe) Luxury Lite-Up is all original, very clean & unmolested. The turntable runs fast. I have a repro manual that says to simply adjust the screw (mine is set with a wire, I've gently released this tension) in to slow or out to speed up the turntable. My question is this- The screw is set as far in as possible, will not turn clockwise any further, so now what? I do not want to take the screw out as I'm not sure what is doing the actual adjustment. Any suggestions? I can also provide pics and more description if this helps. Thanks! Bill in New Orleans (where the Imperial 78s NEED to be at the right tempo!)

by **Ron Rich** » Wed Aug 07, 2013 6:22 pm

Just guessing--I know nothing about these--If you are "releasing tension" it seems to me that you are going the "wrong way". I would assume that to slow down theTT, one would add tension ??
Ron Rich

solomonbil · by **solomonbil** » Wed Aug 07, 2013 6:30 pm

The wire only sets the screw after the adjustment is made. That is what I loosened to turn the screw in order to slow the turntable. I know I may need to take the set screw out to see what (if anything) is @ the end of the screw (spring-wound phonographs sometimes use a hard felt pad or block). I don't want to take it out if there's the chance of making things worse! Thanks for the reply and I'll post what I find. Bill

by **Ron Rich** » Wed Aug 07, 2013 6:41 pm

OK--I understand that the wire "locks" the adjustment now--makes more sense. Good luck, thanks, Ron Rich

bobblyghton · by **bobblyghton** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 3:57 pm

Hi just wondered if this problem was ever fixed.I have a 39 Standard Lite Up and the turn table is running at 85rpm. I cannot find this adjustment screw. Can anyone please advise?

solomonbil · by **solomonbil** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 2:36 pm

I was able to slow this motor to 78 rpm. The "adjusting screw" is not that at all, but holds an oil cup and hard rubber block that makes contact with the governor. This allows for an increase/decrease in pressure that, in turn, allows the motor to run slower/faster. Much like a spring-wound phonograph. I had to straighten the mount to this oil cup and block [undoing a prior attempt to fix(?)] I will attach some pictures and further explanation later. After coffee...