Linear Turntable Myths Explained Plus Service and Review of Technics SL-3

[@PilgrimFL]

I found a SL-3 at Goodwill. it needs a belt and cartridge. Thank you for the insight on what I need to do in the mechanism.

[@SkiBumMSP]

I have a Technics SL-QL15 and it is still working perfectly. Don't think it has ever been given any kind of service that I am aware of. In the 15 years or so I had it, I never done anything other than replace the stylus and cleaning the dust off of it. It was actually just given to me by an old friend that no longer wanted it. I asked how much he wanted for it and he just told me to go ahead and take it. I have always wondered if it is worth having a good tech go through it and get it re-lubed, etc, but I was told by others when I asked this same question is that if it is still working perfectly, don't bother messing with it.

[@IDPhotoMan]

I love my SL-J1 - So simple but works flawlessly.

[@Trojan0304]

Got lucky & got SL-V5, vertical model plays great with picture records. Had it serviced . Cleaned out old lube, new tone arm belt, motor overhauled, 🤗🤗

[@jonneil4756]

I have an sl-5 and sl-7. Both work great. Had to replace the tonearm belt on the sl-5 and stylii on both but otherwise they are great. Love them.

[@kappandrew1]

I'm gearing up to do a video on the SL-3 to the SL-10... these things are a DEAL right now... stay tuned.

[@vonster22]

i have an sl-j2 but just ordered an optonica rp-4705...decided to pull the trigger after watching you videos about it...

[@stevengagnon4777]

While not perfect. The angle is still essentially 0° off at any given time . Compared to a pivoting arm it is juust a very small fraction of a degree off. Where as the pivoting arm is perfect in two places and upto more than a degree off depending on where it is on the record. Most importantly the linear tracking arm is very close to perfect every where, including the last track that is also highly compressed where the incorrect angle has a greater influence with elliptical and advanced shape stylus. The TP4 p-mount system also assures a correctly mounted cartridge and tracking force. If thr cartridge is TP4 compliant the the dimensions and mass are standardized. I personally would be careful about any type oil and solvents used on the Teflon slide bearig for the tone arm . The bearings are usually designed to be used "dry" . They have specific " oils" in the material to keep it conditioned. So you don't want to put the wrong kind of oil into it and the wrong solvents that may draw the conditioning oils out. My SL-7 has never been serviced and the arm is still tracking properly. It will eventually need a new belt and possibly the gear lube replaced with once again a lubricant that is made for plastic. Judging from how much that is involved in getting at the motor/platter bearing I suspect that thoes were a type of bearing that doesn't get traditional lubricant like a bronze oil bushing the lubricant is part of the bronze formula. So some of these do require periodic mantainence of the platter bearing and the correct oil should be used.