Repairing Victrola Record Player - Really Works!!

This isn't a tutorial channel, but I figured I would try to help fellow DIY folks fix their record players. At least according to what I did.
- I would recommend you watch this video at 2x speed.
- Record player being used: Victrola 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player.
- I bought the soldering iron at Walmart for less than $12 (bought in 2023).
- My problem was with a broken/disconnected wire.
- I have heard that a worn down / broken belt is common. This might be your problem if the table isn't spinning.
- If you have other questions/concerns let me know. I think these fixes should carry over to Crosley and other brands too.
- Here's the video I watched to learn about soldering properly: • Soldering Tutorial for...
Good luck!

[@Nana-jy8pc]

Mine is playing way too fast. Like it does 33 rpm but it’s so fast on what’s supposed to be the 45 and idk why

[@TheDavidLaws]

Sorry, I don't know why it's doing that. I pinned your comment, so hopefully someone else could see it and help!

[@vtjmproductionsusa2390]

On the back of the motor there are two small holes. They are for speed adjustment. Buy a tiny screwdriver and a speed strobe disc. Turn it on and little by little adjust the speed checking each time until you get the proper speed on the strobe disk.

[@Nana-jy8pc]

@@vtjmproductionsusa2390 okay thank you I didn’t know the screws were buried in the holes. I did find those two holes expecting tiny screws to be there and there wasn’t so I gave up very confused. Thank you so much I really appreciate it I haven’t been able to listen my new Grateful Dead album on vinyl yet and I’ve been dying to play it along with my Alice In Chains album I’ve missed it so much So thanks.

[@Ihatemylegacy]

OMG THANK YOU! I have been LOSING my mind over trying to get this thing apart and get the belt back on. (Ridiculous, I know) The belt was busted unfortunately but now I know how to replace it. I’m a dumb 2000s baby who received this thing from my grandparents just today.

[@TheDavidLaws]

I'm glad it was helpful!! :) It took me a long time to figure out too. I hope you enjoy using your "new" record player ;)

[@PureMiko]

Thank you so much, fixing this really meant a lot. When my family got the record player, the turntable belt came loose and no one bothered to fix it, that was around six years ago, but today I did a little digging and found your video on how to fix it. Many thanks to you man. I am very happy that it is working again. 😁😁😁

[@TheDavidLaws]

That's amazing! :) I'm glad you were able to get it working again. Happy listening!

[@Ka-zk5xh]

Hi there, i just wanted to thank fot this helpful. I got myself a refurbished victrola for a fair price and it wasn't working properly. Thanks to your video i've been able to remove the e clip and found out that somehow one of the cable beneath the platter was unplugged. An easy that allows me to listen to my new vinyl records now.😊

[@TheDavidLaws]

I'm glad you got it fixed! :) Great job being resourceful!

[@vtjmproductionsusa2390]

Excellent in explaining every step. You did it the same way a professional electronic technician would. I know I'm a Tv,Radio, Phonograph Repairman. With 46 years experience and ypu did a absolutely fantastic job at this repair. What I loved about it was you explained everything that you were doing. Again I will say FIve Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Video !!. Excellent. 👍

[@CurseSupposedly]

This was extremely helpful, my belt didn't break but it fell off. This tutorial helped me fix the problem the right way. Thank you so much.

[@TheDavidLaws]

Happy to help! :)

[@apartmentsixeleven4093]

This was REALLY helpful. In every way. Thank you for that.

[@TheDavidLaws]

You're welcome! Always happy to help.

[@kimscornavaccosnugharborba4362]

Thank you!! I fixed my player after watching this. Much appreciated

[@fated2pretend]

This was helpful to me for a different reason. I'm trying to gauge whether all these Vic turntables have platter wobble, and it looks like yours also has some subtle wobble (same model as mine). Thanks for posting this - there aren't that many clear videos of the platter movement or the internal mechanism on the internet.

[@TheDavidLaws]

Ooh cool! I'm glad it was helpful. I couldn't find many videos of the inside either, which is part of why I recorded. :)

[@scotthandren]

Thanks for this, very helpful for an Elder Millennial!

[@TheDavidLaws]

You're welcome! :) I'm glad it was helpful.

[@vtjmproductionsusa2390]

Nice work. I'm old school and used to working on real phonographs. You did great on this repair . Five Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Video !!. 👍

[@TheDavidLaws]

Thank you, very kind. That's amazing you work on actual phonographs. Thanks for watching.

[@ramongarcia5364]

This is a great video. I bought one of these for my gf two years ago. Unfortunately mine wasn’t able to get fixed. I took it apart like you showed (very helpful) but I have no loose connections. It’s just not spinning. Came right out the box in that condition.

[@TheDavidLaws]

Bummer! :( Are the other settings working? (blue tooth, radio, etc.)?? I've seen several people comment with a similar problem. Any luck figuring it out?

[@zingdog33]

Are you getting a click when you move the tone arm? I just took mine apart, got it to work, reassembled and it stopped working again. Tried again and got it to work a few times then nothing again. I'm thinking we may have the same issue, the switch for the tone arm isn't connecting tight enough, might give it another go tomorrow...

[@TheDavidLaws]

Bless you for working so hard to get it to work!! :( Victrola should really provide an easier set-up... Or you know, one that doesn't break so easily. Yes, mine makes one click noise, which is when the switch to power is activated. Good luck getting yours fixed! 🙏🏼

[@lcolloca]

Very helpful thanks!

[@TheDavidLaws]

Good! You're very welcome :)

[@brandonrainwater1776]

Thanks for this video man. It helped me get mine apart. This i smy first turntable but it just plays a little slow. Would that just be the belt?

[@TheDavidLaws]

I'm not an expert, but before re-soldering my wires, the turn table was slower! It's noticeably faster to me. Does it look like any of the wires are loose?

[@allys911]

Thank you for the video! Any idea where the speed adjustment screws are?.. my issue is its turning slightly too slow

[@TheDavidLaws]

Sorry, I don't know!

[@angelocapolungo8554]

Who can point me to a stable and working record player considering everyone receives these ones broke

[@antonioarc]

Where can you adjust the autostop ? Some records stop before they end

[@hojatheydarian8452]

Hi sir Thanks alot for this video . I have a problem with same gramophone. Table working but don’t sound ,can you help what part have to check ,thank you

[@TheDavidLaws]

Hello, I would look at your user manual and see if it mentions which areas work with sound. Or maybe open up the player and see if anything looks broken, damaged, or otherwise loose.

[@coledavidson5630]

Is that blue thing next to the motor a potentiometer? My record player is a little slow and flat and I'm trying to find a way to speed up the motor a bit?

[@TheDavidLaws]

Sorry, I wish I knew 😬

[@kayelaine]

hey I have a similar unit, the empire Its brand new and every record ive played sounds slightly slow/ lower in pitch.. pretty sure its a speed issue would i have to open up the players guts to fine adjust anything? If so what do I do this looks very intimidating to me

[@TheDavidLaws]

Hey, sorry I didn't see this sooner! Did you get it figured out? There's a chance it could be the outlet you're using. Have you tried several around your house? Or if you're using a power surge cable (with multiple outlets) it could be a low power issue. If you're still looking for help let me know. Maybe we could find a solution together.

[@allys911]

I have the same issue, my record player has worked in the same plug in for years, all a sudden its turning too slow...

[@btrfliesva664]

Stupid question maybe: can I replace the belt without having to take the whole thing apart? If I just pry off that little c-ring and take off the top circular plate, can I get to the belt to replace it?

[@TheDavidLaws]

Yes! Once you get the c-ring and plate off you should be able to replace the belt. :)

[@btrfliesva664]

@@TheDavidLaws thank you so much for your quick response! I loved your video, by the way. It was very real. Exactly the way I would be reacting if I was trying to fix something on camera 😊 Kudos to you for being able to figure it out and show us how you did it!

[@TheDavidLaws]

@@btrfliesva664 haha yeah, just keeping it real 🙃

[@HopeWaters]

mine is turning, but when I place the needle on the record it just speeds straight to the middle of the record and makes an odd sound. any tips?

[@BUBBACHUB23]

I was wondering can there be any wrong with mine some times it skips

[@TheDavidLaws]

There is a possible solution! You can tape a coin to the top of the control arm / needle area. The extra weight should help lessen skipping. I use a U.S. dime for mine, but I would experiment with pennies and nickels too (or whatever you have). This trick has helped my player, but there are some vinyls (even new vinyls) that still skip. I have noticed less skipping though! Good luck! 🍀✨

[@BUBBACHUB23]

@@TheDavidLaws oh ok thank u I will see if that works

[@CloronixsJimmy]

I have the same record player as you, and I was wondering how do I fix the rattle mine makes.

[@TheDavidLaws]

Is the rattling coming through the speakers, or as the player is running? Also, have you taken off the turntable and looked inside?

[@jacobharvey3733]

Do you know the voltage that drives the turntable?

[@TheDavidLaws]

I think it's 12 volts. You can find the owner manual on Victrola's website. It should tell you. Just open the manual on a computer and "Ctrl + F" search for voltage. victrola.com/pages/owners-manuals

[@katiegallagher7312]

any tips for getting the c ring back on?

[@TheDavidLaws]

Sorry for the late reply! Did you get it back on? :)

[@emanuelsaldarriaga3626]

I got the 8 in 1 navigator but for some reason the volume on the right side speaker sound very low than the other one. Yesterday I found that both speakers are very low and they weren't like that when I bought them. do you have any idea what could be the problem?

[@TheDavidLaws]

Sorry for the delayed response.. honestly, I'm not sure! Have you solved it yet?

[@emanuelsaldarriaga3626]

No sir, I haven't try it because I was waiting for your response. Thank you @@TheDavidLaws

[@TheDavidLaws]

How long have you had your player? I'm wondering if they are old?? The fact that it's progressively getting softer makes me think they are wearing out. Or maybe a connection problem?

[@TheDavidLaws]

Have you read this article? It says the problem is probably with your preamp. Victrola players have an internal preamp. It might be helpful! toprecordplayers.com/why-is-my-record-player-so-quiet/

[@emanuelsaldarriaga3626]

@@TheDavidLaws i bought it used but I think it has to be a preamp issue, because i haven’t use it that much.

[@GP-nd8eq]

Any solutions for the volume being too loud? When it's turned down to the lowest possible mark its still way too loud 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheDavidLaws]

That is strange! I'm not sure how to fix that. I'd be curious for the solution if/when you find it!

[@seankimber]

Was there a trick to the first part? (Prying off the ring). I can't seem to get it to come off.

[@TheDavidLaws]

Hi Sean, I'm pretty sure I used a small flathead screwdriver to pry mine off. I think I placed the screwdriver vertically between the ring and the center spindle (what the ring is clipped on to). While trying to pry it off I probably used my other hand/fingers to push the ring off. I recently learned these rings are called "e-clips." It looks like wikiHow has an article "how to remove e clips." Good luck!!

[@seankimber]

@@TheDavidLaws That was hugely helpful. Thank you!

[@TheDavidLaws]

@@seankimber you're welcome! I hope you get yours fixed :)

[@TheDavidLaws]

@johnlumacad4368

[@fluffy_gaming2345]

Can you show how to fix the cd portion of the record player? My cd won’t eject but it plays. Also none of the buttons work just the power button😢

[@TheDavidLaws]

Hi, I can look into it! ...unless you got it fixed? If your warranty for the player is still active, I would recommend you go that route. :)

[@fluffy_gaming2345]

@@TheDavidLaws I got a new one for Xmas but thank you for responding!

[@TheDavidLaws]

Yay! That's the best solution 😂 get a new one!!

[@TheDavidLaws]

Now I'm thinking you should really tear apart your old one! No risk of breaking it more than it was already.

[@MichaelGarton74]

Hey this will make my record player play at normal speed correct?

[@TheDavidLaws]

It should!

[@MichaelGarton74]

Hey I went in to my record player and nothing was wrong it turned out the housing I’m in had to high of a voltage!

[@yolandalopez8117]

my cord got wet and now doesn't turn on, any idea how I can repair it?

[@TheDavidLaws]

Hi Yolanda, unfortunately no. My best guess would be you need to replace the cord. :( Best of luck!

[@georgehorvath1063]

What size belt is it

[@TheDavidLaws]

Hi George, I'm not sure. I was looking through the owners manual and they don't specify. Pretty lame. :( They do have a service number. Maybe someone there could tell you? 1-877-483-2497 I've also seen bags of various sized belts on ebay for under $5. Maybe a good option? Good luck!

[@angelocapolungo8554]

Why wouldn’t you show how to get out the big silver screw in the corner? I still can’t figure it out

[@angelocapolungo8554]

Idk seems like an important part to include 🤷‍♂️

[@angelocapolungo8554]

Considering it’s required to get inside 🤷‍♂️

[@TheDavidLaws]

Hey, sorry. Like I said in the description, I don't do tutorials and only did this one because I was getting so angry! 😅 let me check mine out and see what I did... I honestly don't remember.

[@TheDavidLaws]

Hey, did you remove the turn table and then try to remove the screw? At about 2:14 in the video I show the screw and clip that needs to be removed. I'm pretty sure I was only able to do that after removing the table first. Like I said, the whole reason I made this video was because I got several steps in and thought, "this is ridiculous! I should record it for someone else." Good luck!

[@aishwaryakarad9759]

@@TheDavidLaws hey, i removed the turn table and am trying to remove the screw. the bottom part seems to not want to come off. do you have any idea how you were able to get that bottom part out so you could unscrew it properly?

[@e.christianmartinez3431]

I bought it last year, and it stopped working inexplicably. Right in time for Christmas. It's only been used anout a dozen times, and no, it doesn't power on.

[@TheDavidLaws]

None of the power is working? Even for the other settings (radio, bluetooth, etc)? Have you used different outlets to plug it in? Unfortunately I'm no expert, but if the problem is the player (not the power source) I would look to see if part of it has become damaged or broken connection somewhere. As I mentioned in my video, it was a broken connection (wires) that prevented it from working. Good luck & sorry for the untimely power shortage. :(

[@kevinmejia1989]

My volume is running low. Will this fix it?

[@TheDavidLaws]

You could pull it apart and see if another wire is loose. Or maybe the volume dial isn't working properly?

[@johnlumacad4368]

i feel stupid i cant even pass first step, im struggling to take the middle part off

[@TheDavidLaws]

Hey, check out the comment/answer I gave @seankimber. I think it would help!

[@suebowers3946]

Mine stopped working less than 2 weeks after I got it.

[@TheDavidLaws]

That’s frustrating! I heard they have a 1 year warranty. Did you report it to Victrola? Mine malfunctioned right after my one year purchase date.

[@suebowers3946]

@@TheDavidLaws It was too late. My son (still in school) got it for me early for Christmas. He was heartbroken. He knew I wanted it really bad so he went out and bought it with his own money from working after school. Sad.

[@TheDavidLaws]

@@suebowers3946 that really is heartbreaking :( Your son sounds like a wonderful guy tho, and I believe that sort of love is powerful despite when things go wrong.

[@halliemcmullen2039]

For the life of me i cant figure out how to take that screw out

[@TheDavidLaws]

Sorry for the late reply. Any luck?