Phonoland

Everyone - I just inherited a 1963 (or 62) Magnavox Imperial Micromatic console from my father, but the turn table doesn't spin. The arm (with the needle) comes over to the table so there's power to the unit.

Can anyone give me an idea what's wrong with it? Is it something I can fix myself? I removed the unit from the console and took the table itself off, but nothings apparent to me.

If not, does anyone have any recommendations on repair shops in San Francisco?

I also got my uncle's album collection so I'm excited to give it a spin (pun intended!).

Sorry for the simplistic posting. Clearly you guys are much more advanced than I...but I appreciate the help.

Chances are the turntable is going to need a good cleaning and lube, but for now make sure the linkages to the idler wheel (the small rubber wheel) are free so the idler can engage the platter and motor and that the idler itself is clean and the rubber is not hard. This is where you would usually start. Best.

Does it go through a change cycle?

If it does, chances are the (left) idler wheel driving the turntable, or its linkages, needs attention.

If it does not, the most likely culprit is dried lube in the motor bearings.

Other possibilities:

- No power to the changer motor (plug on amp disconnected?).
- Power switch linkage.
- Drive spindle missing.
- Rubber motor mount loose or disintegrated.

I have the same turntable, and it does cycle, but the rubber on the left wheel seems a little on the hard side, and doesn't adequately contact the platter (makes a clanging sound). Any ideas?

Two possibilities:

1. If the drive surface is still smooth, try Caig CaiKleen RBR Rubber restorer. Be careful not to get it in a bearing.

2. If the wheel surface is uneven, you need a replacement or a rebuild. There are several sites online that can rebuild a rubber wheel.