Notes from the Repair Shop

Often said but not often heeded

Play your jukebox at least once a week ! It is vintage and like many old things needs its mechanisms to be used to prevent problems associated with drying out both of the mechanics and the electronics. Ie Use it or Loose it.

Play both A sides and B sides of your records. Playing just A sides can cause the machine to jam if someone accidentally plays a B side.  If the juke has only played A sides.

One idea is to alternate how you place the records in the jukebox - A side and the next record a B side where traditionally you would put the A side and so on.

Keep your juke out of the sunlight and excessive heat. Old Cabinets in extreme ranges of hot and cold can warp / crack and delaminate.  UV from sunlight will degrade any colour : from titlestrips , painted finishes to plastics including the pushbuttons.

Excessive heat can also dry out the mechanisms

The sound

Replace your stylus/needle , when will depend how often you play it.

A vinyl stylus typically lasts between 500 and 1,000 playing hours. For average users (1 hour/day), this means replacement every 1–2 years but I suggest once a year.

It will all depend on:

• Condition of Records: Dirty or damaged records accelerate wear. Always use the best quality vinyl for the best sound and stylus life.

• Tracking Force: Incorrectly set tracking force or anti-skate causes faster wear.

• Signs of wear: Distorted, harsh sound (especially in high frequencies/vocals) or increased skipping indicate a worn stylus.change frequently .

A worn needle can create a dull, scratchy sound, and in the worst cases, it can ruin your records by cutting into the grooves incorrectly.

A dirty needle can also create distorted sound quality

Physical Wear: If you notice physical signs of wear, like a bent or chipped needle, it's time for a replacement.

Keep the tip clean !!