Turntable sometimes only plays right channel

**Tele 'til You're Smelly** · 11-11-2018, 11:34 AM

I've had this Pioneer turntable since I bought it with lawnmowing money at age 12 in 1977. It sometimes only plays the right channel, then the left will start working again. What might be causing this? I have a recollection that I used to be able to fix it by flicking the end of the end of the arm that holds the cartridge, but that doesn't work anymore and the connections all seem good. Could it be the needle?

**Viva** · 11-11-2018, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Tele 'til You're Smelly

I've had this Pioneer turntable since I bought it with lawnmowing money at age 12 in 1977. It sometimes only plays the right channel, then the left will start working again. What might be causing this? I have a recollection that I used to be able to fix it by flicking the end of the end of the arm that holds the cartridge, but that doesn't work anymore and the connections all seem good. Could it be the needle?

The "right channel"?

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**ACH** · 11-11-2018, 11:48 AM

It could be that there is a short in one of the two wires that come out of the back of the cartridges for the left channel (given that flicking the end of the arm gave you that result). Those wires are light gauge and vulnerable if handled. I would start there.

**SumJongGuy** · 11-11-2018, 01:05 PM

I get that jiggling the tone arm got results in the past. I'd also still try a different set of RCA cables because it's possible that a bad cable might be what's causing the permanent problem this time..

**reckless toboggan** · 11-11-2018, 01:29 PM

https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/...-the-indicator

**highangle** · 11-11-2018, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by Tele 'til You're Smelly

I've had this Pioneer turntable since I bought it with lawnmowing money at age 12 in 1977. It sometimes only plays the right channel, then the left will start working again. What might be causing this? I have a recollection that I used to be able to fix it by flicking the end of the end of the arm that holds the cartridge, but that doesn't work anymore and the connections all seem good. Could it be the needle?

What kind of cartridge, MM or MC?
Have you checked the ground? Have you tried Zappa DustOff?
Does the L channel work in the AUX/TAPE/CD inputs of the same amp/preamp?

**MagnificentUnicorn** · 11-11-2018, 02:03 PM

If it's the original needle/cartridge you might get a new one and/or adjust the cartridge.

**Tele 'til You're Smelly** · 11-11-2018, 02:35 PM

Thanks ACH I'll check that out sounds most promising (and thanks everyone). And highangle what is "Zappa DustOff"? Google did not abide.

**St. Jerry** · 11-11-2018, 02:57 PM

Try turning it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on again. Usually does the trick!

**Ted Striker** · 11-11-2018, 03:02 PM

Clearly, you're missing the left turntable.

**RShea** · 11-11-2018, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by St. Jerry

Try turning it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on again. Usually does the trick!

That is for digital stuff, this is analog equipment

**RShea** · 11-11-2018, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Tele 'til You're Smelly

Thanks ACH I'll check that out sounds most promising (and thanks everyone). And highangle what is "Zappa DustOff"? Google did not abide.

DustOff is nothing more than electronics aerosol "canned air" brand- sold a Walmart and other stores as Dust Off,
Zappa (Frank or Dweezel) maybe...

**highangle** · 11-11-2018, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by Tele 'til You're Smelly

And highangle what is "Zappa DustOff"? Google did not abide.

It's a space alias.
Like "QDEC", AKA "Kwik Dri Elek-tronikz Kleenzer"
Or "C3H8O" for isopropyl alcohol

Is the cartridge removable? MM stylus are removable, MC are usually not.

SB · 11-11-2018, 03:53 PM

Give it a good whack again, worked before.

**ACH** · 11-11-2018, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Tele 'til You're Smelly

Thanks ACH I'll check that out sounds most promising (and thanks everyone). And highangle what is "Zappa DustOff"? Google did not abide.

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Here is a picture as a point of reference , it's on my Technics SLD2, they are probably pretty similar.

Those tiny leads that run to the back of the stylus holder can be replaced if there is a short.

**highangle** · 11-11-2018, 11:36 PM

Is that just one long pube attached to that cartridge, or a bunch of smaller ones?

**garyfromterrace** · 11-11-2018, 11:55 PM

OP your cartridge and stylus are over 40yrs old. That is the problem. Buy new both.

**riser4** · 11-12-2018, 06:23 AM

Does it sometimes play the wrong channel too?

**iceman** · 11-12-2018, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by garyfromterrace

OP your cartridge and stylus are over 40yrs old. That is the problem.

Nah that can't be it.

**Benny Profane** · 11-12-2018, 08:09 AM

I think it is.

Jezuz, bought a new cartridge like every six months back then.

**homebrewd** · 11-12-2018, 09:55 AM

OP send galibier_numero_un a PM. He builds custom turntables and can probably pinpoint it for you.

**ACH** · 11-12-2018, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by highangle

Is that just one long pube attached to that cartridge, or a bunch of smaller ones?

lulz, yeah, dags...

That CRC spray works great on scratchy pots

**irul&ublo** · 11-12-2018, 10:40 AM

Maybe it’s a republican turntable

**Tele 'til You're Smelly** · 11-12-2018, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by Benny Profane

I think it is.

Jezuz, bought a new cartridge like every six months back then.

I replaced the needle many times back in the day, but the turntable only gets occasional use now. I do think it might be the original cartridge, so yeah I'll replace it if cleaning the leads doesn't work (it has 4 leads like the Technics one pictured).

SB · 11-12-2018, 10:58 AM

How expensive are replacement needles and cartridges these days? I would guess they can be pretty pricey.

Agree with the BP that I would replace mine on the regular and constantly clean but that was under regular use.