JVC JL-A3 TT, and how do you remove old rubber ?

[splaz]

Well I just got as a present a not working vintage JVC JL-A3 turntable, just wondering if anyone has heard anything about these and basically how much it would be worth getting to work ?

Everything else seems to work but I'd have to try it I guess, I think it's a model from the mid 70s and comes on a very heavy wood base.

Also, the obvious problem with it is the drive belt is snapped, the rubber has gone all greasy and falls apart when you try and handle it. What sort of cleaning product can I use on that, there's bits of rubber all over the place under the platter. Isopropyl did an alright job but seemed to leave smears... I guess that's not too bad but wondering if there's anything better ?

 

[memepool]

Quote:

Originally Posted by splaz /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well I just got as a present a not working vintage JVC JL-A3 turntable, just wondering if anyone has heard anything about these and basically how much it would be worth getting to work ?

I think that is pretty decent one from when they were still copying the likes of Thorens and well worth getting it going. It should be a small investment of 30USD or less.

Check to see if there is any play in the tonearm bearings by gently holding it by the cuing lever and very gently shaking it about a bit to see if you can hear or feel any loosness. very gently twisting the tonearm will also be a good indicator as it shouldn't be able to vibrate on its mountings at all.

As far as the belt path goes isopropyl should remove the old belt ok then you need to measure the path with a bit of string and contact someone like Turntable Basics. Turntable Belts, Parts and Accessories. who will send you a selection of belts until you find one that fits perfectly. You want it tight enough to play at the right speed but not too tight or you'll stress the main bearing.


The other main thing to do is change the bearing oil. When you push the edge of your platter you shouldn't be able to rock the centre bearing either so how much play there is here if any will determine the kind of oil to use.

Usually Synthetic motor oil like Mobil 1 is fine or there are any number of fancy turntable oils on the market.

You only need about 5ml. All you need do is gently lift the centre spindle out and then clean the inside of the bearing shaft and sump with cotton buds / q-tips and use lint free paper towels on the shaft itself.

The long wooden buds made for cleaning tape drives are the best kind because they allow you to get right down inside. Then just use a pipette to squirt the new oil in and reinsert the spindle shaft and let it settle for about half an hour.

 

[splaz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by memepool /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think that is pretty decent one from when they were still copying the likes of Thorens and well worth getting it going. It should be a small investment of 30USD or less. Check to see if there is any play in the tonearm bearings by gently holding it by the cuing lever and very gently shaking it about a bit to see if you can hear or feel any loosness. very gently twisting the tonearm will also be a good indicator as it shouldn't be able to vibrate on its mountings at all. As far as the belt path goes isopropyl should remove the old belt ok then you need to measure the path with a bit of string and contact someone like Turntable Basics. Turntable Belts, Parts and Accessories. who will send you a selection of belts until you find one that fits perfectly. You want it tight enough to play at the right speed but not too tight or you'll stress the main bearing. The other main thing to do is change the bearing oil. When you push the edge of your platter you shouldn't be able to rock the centre bearing either so how much play there is here if any will determine the kind of oil to use. Usually Synthetic motor oil like Mobil 1 is fine or there are any number of fancy turntable oils on the market. You only need about 5ml. All you need do is gently lift the centre spindle out and then clean the inside of the bearing shaft and sump with cotton buds / q-tips and use lint free paper towels on the shaft itself. The long wooden buds made for cleaning tape drives are the best kind because they allow you to get right down inside. Then just use a pipette to squirt the new oil in and reinsert the spindle shaft and let it settle for about half an hour.

Thanks a lot for that info, I'll get onto it. Turntable basics actually has a belt listed for it, so I'll get that asap.

For anyone interested here are some pictures of it. The wood finish is walnut according to the manual, I can tell it's a veneer from some very slight scuffs on a corner or two. Its a bit darker than that IRL without the flash.





Just a size comparison to a cheapo Pioneer I also got for free. (That incidentally also needs a new drivebelt

, then I'll probably get rid of it)



Lastly, what is this thing ? It came with the turntable and from what I could find out on the net, Micro Seiki made some pretty good turntables. I'm guessing some sort of turntable related tool... ?

 

[memepool]

Quote:

Originally Posted by splaz /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks a lot for that info, I'll get onto it. Turntable basics actually has a belt listed for it, so I'll get that asap.

I would still measure it to be sure and then check it against the belt they recommend where the sizes are listed on their site. There are so many variations in turntable models, just as there are today with DVD players with new versions being released every 6 months or so, especially by the Japanese, that it's always better to make absolutely sure that the belt fits properly. As I mentioned Turntable basics are very good because they will send you a range of belts of slightly different dimensions to make sure you get a perfect fit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by splaz /img/forum/go_quote.gif Lastly, what is this thing ? It came with the turntable and from what I could find out on the net, Micro Seiki made some pretty good turntables. I'm guessing some sort of turntable related tool... ?

That looks like the base for a "Dustbug" type cleaner which was a sort of plastic wand with a little velour roller or brush on the end that was designed to keep fluff out of the path of the stylus. It's not really worth bothering with in these days of vacuum cleaning machines. Just get a carbon fibre brush to start with and keep you records clean.