A few years back we found an old Sherwood record player in the Mall of St. Paul (antique hunter’s paradise). It became a project to figure out how to hook it up to an amplifier, build a small table for it, maintain it, and of course begin collecting some records!
Attached is a photo of the record player nook. We found some plans online to build a table and modified them to fit the dimensions of my Epiphone Acoustic Regent 30’ amp.
Initially the setup worked pretty well, but soon it started having some issues. The sound would start to cut out. It was time for some tinkering! I figured we’d need a new needle so I went online to look for something that would work with the Sherwood. I ordered an Audio-Technica ATN91R Replacement Conical Turntable Stylus after talking with Dave at Mall of St. Paul. I was stoked!
The new needle arrived and I got it unpacked and started to get it ready for install. However, big problem…I don’t know much at all about turntables. Turntables are compatible with various cartridges. The cartridges hold the needle. Not every needle fits every cartridge. I had a Grado cartridge and it was not compatible with my new Audio Technica needle. Classic tinkering error!
Grados are a quality cartridge, I found I could spend ALOT of money on new Grado gear if I wanted to, but this was tinkering on a budget. The Grado isn’t great for beginners..or at least for me. I broke the old needle getting it out and i wasn’t about to break a new one on an install, so I searched around my new favorite turntable site — https://www.turntableneedles.com/ — What fun! I asked a few questions on the website and got some helpful responses. I was able to find some needle options for the Grado, but decided to go with a cheaper new cartridge with the option to switch in the Audio Technica needle I already ordered..I’ll save a Grado needle order and install for another day.
Then .. a helpful lesson in balancing the needle.…and we’re off!!
Let’s turn this turntable loose!
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