This Technics SL1500 turntable is behaving very weird - variable speed issue
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 เม.ย. 2021
- This old 1976 Technics SL1500 has a strange problem. It won’t play at a constant speed! Can we exorcise the issue?
These direct drive turntables are built solid, but they can sometimes exhibit a strange behaviour where the speed fluctuates. This can also affect other record players in the same series, such as the ever popular SL1200. This is often down to dirty contacts in the various potentiometers that govern the speeds. In this video we examine the problem, disassemble the unit, and attempt to resolve the fault.
This video is for entertainment purposes only. It is not a guide or tutorial. Replicate at your own risk.
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My vintage turntable arrived today and I happened to watch this while waiting for it. Had the same issue, but a guy in a forum recommended turning the potentiometers fully 20x times. After 50 times it fixed itself. Was really happy about that, saved me the time and money opening it. This was on a SL-1710 as well, so try this first for an easier fix!
Great thing to try first! I always do this before pulling things apart, but in this case it was oxidisation in the power switch/speed selector.
Надо выпаять потенциометры,разобрать,почистить,смазать немного силиконовой смазкой,собрать,и вернуть на свои места!эти потенциометры ещё вас переживут.один раз нормально обслужить проигрыватель,и приглядывать за ним,он ещё столько же проработает!😊
Nice overview of very common defects on these decks. The one thing I do is to first check the switch "on" resistance with an ohm meter. Often switch contacts will drift out to many ohms. A good switch contact should read less than 0.5 ohm. This way I have confidence that the cleaning was effective. Sometimes it takes more than one application of cleaner to get the resistance down.
My SL-1500 was doing the very same thing. Thanks to your video, it's now working perfectly. Thanks!
Yay! So glad you found it helpful, enjoy your fine turntable.
@@TheBasementChannel One question: The tone arm drops by itself in about 35 seconds. Is there any adjustment that will cure that?
Very good ! Those were so well made, even the finish stayed great.
Thank you so much for making this video! I had the same issue with my SL 1360, but after following your cleaning procedure now my turntable is working great again! Thank you!
Hey there! You’re so welcome! I’m glad you had success!!
Thank you for posting this. My Pioneer turntable is doing the exact same thing. I've been searching online on what it could possibly be wrong with it but haven't found answers until now! Thank you!
Hey you’re welcome! Thanks for the awesome feedback, and I hope you get your issue fixed!
Hello Johann, I would like to make a shout out and give big thanks for your channel. I stumbled upon it when searching for Technics SL-1710 restoration. I'm in the middle of an auction of that model. My father owned an SL-1310MK1 and that was my first introduction to turntables. That player ended up being burnt up and trashed because of bad circumstances. I now have an opportunity to restore the nostalgia from back in the days (I was born 1982).
I follow a lot of tech channels, and now I'm following yours. This channel deserves so much more followers, you do a terrific job, going through every detail of the tech and you have a good, relaxed rhythm doing so. Hope to see more of this channel in the future. Cheers!
Hey thanks Jimmy, I really appreciate that you took the time to leave such a nice and encouraging comment. Made my day!
Thanks for the Video! I was recently given this turntable from my Mother-in-law's attic. It's having terrible speed variations. I'm going to try to follow your guide and hope I can get it working.
Idaho, USA.
Thanks for stopping by! I’m sure you’ll have great success, in every other way these turntables are rock solid, just gotta clean up those contacts. Enjoy!
I have the same machine.It’s like AK-47.Metal,cold,powerful.Great thanks to Matsushita.From Russia 🇷🇺 with love.
Never heard it described quite like that before! 😆
Winner description, I’m stealing this 😎
The production quality of this video is top notch!!
Subscribed. Congrats on 100 subs :-)
Thanks for the sub!
Thank. soo much . Had this one sitting in the basement for some time with the same problem .followed your lead now runs like a charm .
Yay! Glad to hear another machine is brought back to life. Hope you get many years of faithful service 👍
Thank you so much! I have a SL1500 with speed problem. I folowed your instruction and I fix it. It was the same problem. Greetings!
Yay! I’m so glad it helped you out. Happy listening ☺️👍
Lucky finder, at a house sale next doors this weekend for a steal, chiming in. This one goes to my living room to be kept forever and hopefully passed on to the kids, thanks for the video ❤
Always great to get a bargain! Hope you enjoy!!
Great turntable and worth getting repaired. I have the brother of the one you have and the SL 1400. I got used for about $300 US about 3 years ago.
I had many like about 6 pairs of 1200 MK2 during my dj years but felt for just home listening, the SL 1400 was even more suitable just for home use and listening.
Oh in the late 90’s I met these 2 17 year old girls from London and one wanted to be a dj and wanted Technics but was on a budget. So I managed to find a friend willing to sell a pair. Well, when they got back she forgot or didn’t know she had to switch the voltage and blew them up. She got them fixed but what a costly mistake that was.
This is EXACTLY what i was looking for. Thank you!
You’re so welcome! Glad I could help 👍
Man - thanks so much for this. I put all these tips to use on a simple belt driven SL-B202 ('78?), and voilá: gone are the speed fluctuations (or even sudden standstill). Good tip to also check the variable resistors on the board.
Great! I’m so glad I could help. I’m happy to hear this fix works on the belt drive models as well. Happy listening ☺️
I've inherited my uncles SL2000, 40+ years after I first used it. It's not been used much in the last 15 years, and had the famous speed wobble and erratic pitch control. I used contact cleaner on the pitch control pots and the speed selector, and a bit on the base of the factory set variable resistors. It's massively improved its pitch control, not perfect there's still a tiny oscillation but barely audible. I may give it another go as it seems that this is the root cause, not any degradation of the circuit boards.
Great video, congratulations! The two major problems with the Technics SL-1500 turntable are the speed selector switch and the speed controller replacement meter. These two parts need regular cleaning !! I have been using such a player for 6 years and I really like it!
Great info, thanks for sharing!
I have the same model and it had the same problem. Twenty minutes later it's working! Thanks so much for this video!
Yay! So glad I could help. Enjoy listening to your records.
I have the same problem, now I have the confidence to clean it up. thank you
Happy I could help, good luck!
Nice SL1500! Thanks for reminding me... I need to service my SL1950 soon.
(great video too... the end card cracked me up!)
Thanks for the feedback! There’s something cathartic about servicing a well made turntable ☺️
I have one of these. I love it. There is something about the old girl. she sounds lovely with a fairly basic Ortofon cartridge fitted. I had pitch wobble issues but cleaned the pots the same as you did a few years ago and solved. Now it wobbles when I click between 33 + 45 and back before holding pitch. So think I'll clean the on/off and other bits to mirror your fix..They really are lovely bits of kit.
Agree. So solid and just feels like it would spin forever.
Great job fixing this. I picked up an Sl-1500 MK1 a few months ago with the same problem as yours. It had a speed issue and after cleaning the potentiometers it didn't fix it. After I cleaned the three way selector switch it was working as good as new.
Yes I’m convinced that was the same issue with mine 👍 such a solid beast of a turntable, hope you enjoy yours!
@@TheBasementChannel Thanks! I've been enjoying it a bunch.
Same. Spin on.
Really informative. Thank you!
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
Man this is cool. I'm thinking about getting one of these to play a few trance records.
Great way to use it!
Technics double decks ! .. takes me back to the Roller Disco days !
Thanks. I have two of the same model with the same problem. I'll try following your example and see if it works.
Good luck! I think cleaning either the speed/pwr switch or the trim pots fixed the issue for me.
Incredible. My exact turntable has started to drift and I always suspected the pitch controls--just never got around to it. But now I'll finally open it up and just clean everything.
Yay! Yes, it’s actually super easy 👍
this saved me. thank you
You’re very welcome, glad I could help!
Another informative video!
Thanks!! Hopefully you were suitably informed 👍😄
I have the Technics SL 1700 mark 1 in superb condition. I was looking to buy a new turntable to replace it around £500 - £600. I considered the Fluance RT 85 Belt drive, Rega P3 and several pro-ject models. I decided that I'd have to spend a lot more money to even equal my SL 1700. My advice, hang on to your SL 1500, it's a lot better than you think. Just polish up that lid!
Don’t worry, I already think it’s great!
Put a couple of drops of WD-40 into the potentiometer for each speed range. I have an SL1400. The pots are scratchy it's common. Mk1 s are pre Quartz Lock. The motors don't fail.
Same as mine. I think the speeds and the 3 way were dirty. Cleaned em. Fixed. Plays perfect
The fix, was your second try, when you removed the board, allowing you to get to the other 2 pots. It wasn't the switches, which was a good idea anyway. Always look for a second set of speed controls. When you spray, look for the small holes in the pot, where you can direct the nozzle, and use small amounts.
Great info, thanks for sharing 👍
thanks!
You’re welcome!
Nice! It looks like it has the same exact On/Off, Speed Adjustment switches and dust cover as my SL-23 which is a 1976 model. The speed issue is the only issue I have ever had with this turntable. A little Deoxit and twisting of the knobs in the speed pots and the On/Off Speed Selector switch and it's steady as a rock! My ON/Off Switch caused unsteady speed and after sitting un-used for a month or two, (because I picked up a SL1200-MKII), it wouldn't even turn on. I removed the bottom and cleaned the pots as well as the On/Off switch and it's working as good as new! Sitting unused seems to be bad for any type of mechanical item.
Surprisingly enough the old SL-23 sounds as good as the SL-1200. What really cool is they have the same head shell and cartridge geometry, so I can switch between the two turntables if I want to.
they really are indestructible! the 1200 gets all the glory and publicity but the others in the range are just as worthy in my opinion. Thanks for sharing your story! 👍
@@TheBasementChannel I was really expecting to hear a big difference between the two turntables. Especially given the hype thrown on the SL1200 for so many years. Once I got it set up I played albums on each turntable, using the same cartridge and was pleasantly surprised by the SL-23. It's 8 years older, is actually in better condition and plays just as well, plus it's semi automatic.
Plus I think the SL-23 is a much better looking machine.
@@TheBasementChannel I think they are both pretty nice!
Fantastic, thanks!
Thank you!
I still love the ending to this one 😂
😂
Nice video and good you've been able to bring it back to its glory. One thing, however, I'd like to point out. At 11:15-11:16 it looks like you are spraying on and rotating of that small oscillator (ELM10S123 on the schematic) using a metal bit. I would not recommend anyone doing this or even touching this part, unless they know what they're doing. This is not a trimpot and shouldn't be treated they way you did. You've been really lucky it didn't break down. These parts are almost unobtainable.
Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for this great video! Picked up a 1500 for free yesterday and it has the same issues. So it’s time to get into it! What kind of contact cleaner did you use and what did you use to clean the body? Thanks!
Wow that’s a great deal! Hope you get it working. I just used generic electrical contact cleaner from my local electronics store. For the body I usually use window cleaner or a spray and wipe type product. Or isopropyl alcohol if it’s got stubborn dirt. Good luck!!
Smashing !
Thanks!
Strobo bulbs seem very difficult to find, any advice on that. Also, can the 120v be changed to 240v on these" I have an SL 1300 which is far better than I thought it would be when i bought one that was a bit scruffy.
are we sure you are not 169k subs? because this feels like production quality of it
Got to start somewhere!😂 but thanks for the compliment!
Great vid. Thanks, mate. I have exactly the same TT with very similar symptoms. Was going to hand it over to my repair guy to fix, but now I'm tempted to have a go at it myself... Think mine might need a spot of oil, in addition to general cleaning, though. Any suggestions on something to use?
Thanks for your kind comment! Definitely have a go fixing it yourself, they’re pretty easy to work on. I would use a sewing machine type oil.
Awesome! Thank you! What about also spraying Detoxit 5D on the top of the pots as well?
Sure!
I bought my SL-23 in 1978, and it lasted ten years, with no problem, until my girlfriend decided to move it, to 'clean the shelf' it had been sitting on. She ended up dropping it onto the floor, which not only smashed the perspex lid, it also split the base open on one side, bent the centre spindle, and took out my Ortofon stylus into the bargain. I never had the chance to buy another one at the time, as they had been discontinued but, with the advent of eBay, I bought one with speed control issues (motor stamped 1974) and fixed it using the same methods shown in this video. Since then, I have bought two more of them, one to keep spare, and one for my son, who wanted a vintage Hi-Fi system. They both had speed control issues and were duly fixed, as was the SL-22 I bought, last year. People are very welcome to spend £1,500 + GBP on the SL-1500 but, I can't see the justification for that price leap, unless you are DJ'ing on a regular basis. For a home Hi-Fi system though, you can't go wrong with an SL-23. As for my ex-girlfriend, she faded into the mists of time, but is probably still around somewhere, damaging innocent Hi-Fi components without a care in the world. 🤓
LOL!
I love reading the stories people tell, thanks for sharing!
Do you have a warning label attached to the shelf, "Women Stay Clear Of This Turntable!"
@@EgoShredder Hmmmmmm.... now there's a thought! 😂
@@maxedison8259 Just be careful Max, do not want you in A&E with a tonearm where it should not be! 😳🤕
I fixed one yesterday. I recapped it and it didn’t fix my speed variation problem. What did fix it was spraying contact cleaner on the on/off speed switch. Right after that it held the speed correctly.
The best!
Simply
I have cured problems like this by cleaning and lubing the speed trimpots and pitch controls.
Amazing what can be fixed with a clean and a lube
Any way I can fix my strobe light to see turntable spin correctly
Hey mate, great video ! I have a sl120 mk1 with speed issues. Would the layout be similar to this sl1500? I assume it would be.
Hey thanks! Yes I believe the models are quite similar across the range. Start by cleaning the controls and seeing if that fixes it. Good luck!
Thank you, I have just a similar problem. But also when you turn on the speed of 33, the disk does not want to spin right away, you have to push with your finger. And when it spins, it is impossible to adjust to a stable speed. It seems to me that some kind of electrolytic capacitor has dried up on the engine start board.Thanks for the hint and help.Like and subscribe from me.
hi i really liked ur tutorial. i have the original technics 1200 (mk1). its having that problem. is it possible for u to do a tutorial on how to fix that one. or maybe write it out-im gonna take mine apart but wanna be very careful. thx
It’s pretty much the same unit. Just pull it apart carefully and clean any potentiometers, and the power switch.
Wonderful tutorial, thank you!!! One question, is body of this tt made of plastic or aluminium? Upper part? Thank you
Thanks for your kind comments! The body is made from metal, very solid!
@@TheBasementChannel Thank you very much! Keep up fantastic work!
This would have been a good opportunity to fire up your old oscilloscope and measure what's wrong. But I guess just randomly cleaning parts works as well.
The multimeter would probably have been a better tool. And it certainly would have made an appearance if the contact cleaner didn’t fix the moving parts.
I have a SL2000 Tecnics which apart from being MDF plastic rather than metal, the turntable and motor seem to be same spec as more expensive models. Is that correct?
Yes, the 2000 was a cost reduced version of the direct drive lineup. But it used the same motor system as the more expensive models, I think the cost saving was mostly in replacing the metal body with MDF. All in all a well made and long lasting turntable, enjoy!
Earth (ground here in the US) should be green or green with yellow stripe to clearly indicate their safety function. Consumer electronics makers "bend the rules" when they use black.
Any way to fix strobe light. I have a Sanyo TP1030? No biggie if I can’t but would love to fix it
Sorry dude, not sure how to help other than tell you to try general trouble shooting steps. Check power is getting to light, check bulb/diode, etc.
just fixed a Technics SL-D1 .....bought it new in the 80s.....a little google search and came up here...the POT was a little different (a wheel), but principle the same. Thanks
What would my turntable be worth? not selling it just curious.
Great result! I’m glad you got it working again. Check eBay “sold” listings for your turntable to gauge current worth.
best endboard 😂
I owned an sl 1500 in the 70's. Then I got a thorens 125mkll and sme tone arm. Sold the 1500.
How would I found a schematic of how to resolder the arm controls?
I’d try google
Hey I have an SL1500 I just picked up used that has a similar issue. The platter seems stuck onto the spindle. How to remove?
I usually use some sort of WD40 type product and carefully work the platter loose. Most of the time they come free. Good luck 🤞
others have reported that cleaning the pots with deoxit resolves the speed issues
It can do, the on off switch is another cause on these.
I have a Project Xpression III and the little O ring under the screw on the tonearm bracket has dried out and cracked. The screw has 2 holes on the flat top. How do I loosen it and what size O Ring is needed? Or, should I not mess with it?
You should absolutely mess with it! But I’m sorry I have no idea about what you need. Good luck!
@@TheBasementChannel I guess what I need is what tool will back that screw out?
@@thomasmoher9089 I don't know the screw in particular, but from your description it sounds like a Spanner Screw. Theres a special type of screwdriver required, but usually the bit is found in most multi bit sets. Heres a video that might help th-cam.com/video/eYeCgbI60P0/w-d-xo.html
@@TheBasementChannel thank you, I needed to know what it's called. It's very small, one on top & one on each side.
The variable fine pitch controls on the main board never get touched and oxidize into place. That was your issue.
how those should be grounded min 1950 its a bit noisyeven with a shielded earth wire and new rcas
worked for me just now. the deck is playing like new
Great to hear you had success!
Never been a great fan of Technics Turntables as the two I purchased both had problems, I'm running a Kenwood KD990 that I feel is far superior
I’m glad you found one you like! I’ve got a range of different brands, I guess I just like the variety!
can I use WD-40?
Sure, give it a try
@@TheBasementChannel great, thanks !!!
@@joakojo8470 no problem!
You never played the tone record again...
🤦♂️
I noticed you didn’t play the tone record again
very careless handling of the record
Thanks for finding the time to leave this comment
Какя глупая,и бесполезная работа!это не правильно и неверно!