Newbie turntable question

[MattH]

Hi everyone!

So a friend of mine has just bought a used pair of Gemini DD turntables (unsure of exact model).

Neither of us really have any experience at all with vinyl so it is difficult to tell but to me it seems that the motors are far too weak. If you gently stop the vinyl from spinning, should the platter underneath be able to continue spinning (obviously a slipmat is being used)?

It is not possible to atop the vinyl without the platter stopping however gentle you are. You also have to give the vinyl a real shove when starting playback or it will lag behind the other track.

Do the motors on turntables get worn out and lose power over time? Is it possible that they need replacing??

Thanks

[Hausgeist]

Neither of us really have any experience at all with vinyl so it is difficult to tell but to me it seems that the motors are far too weak. If you gently stop the vinyl from spinning, should the platter underneath be able to continue spinning (obviously a slipmat is being used)?

Yes, the platters should continue to spin. Just use something like Flying Carpets or wax paper under the slipmats.

[MattH]

So is it likely caused by worn out motors?

[Hausgeist]

Not necessarily. Without knowing the model, I would guess they had pretty low torque from the beginning.

[xyloft]

Not necessarily. Without knowing the model, I would guess they had pretty low torque from the beginning.

this is probably the issue. (low torque). post up the model number and you can figure out the torque on the net. for a baseline, a technics 1200 is 1.6 Kg of torque. (there are more powerful tables out there, but this is considered the minimum).

also, like haus said, get soem butter rugs or frosted plates
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Thud-Rumble-Frosted-Plates-Slipmat-Pack-801373-i1320587.gc
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Thud-Rumble-Butter-Rug-Slipmat-Pair-102561016-i1322022.gc?esid=butter+rugs

oh.... one more thing... is the vinyl warped? does it behave the same on side A as it does on side B?

[MattH]

I'm pretty sure they are tt02's if that helps?

Thanks!

[MattH]

Oh and yes it is the same with multiple vinyls

Thanks

[Hausgeist]

I have no idea what the actual torque of those decks are , but it sounds like you guys got some weak decks. Don't worry about it though. Just get something to put under the slip mats, and you'll be fine. Playing on low torque decks like that will help you to learn how to ride a pitch and develop a light touch. Then, when you play on some turntables with more torque, you will find it much easier.

[xyloft]

nope. did a little googling and i can't find the torque listed anywhere. gemini doesn't make it anymore, so it's not on their site either. A few sites list it as a "high torque" and one site had a rumored torque of 1.5 Kg.

Might want to check out smashy's turntable how to on the home page and lube the motor. it should be similar to the 1200.

what kind of slipmat are you using?

[pete]

even on the strongest turntable in the world, if you press down hard it will slow down or stop.
it is not really important if it is not super slippy, unless you are getting into scratching.
be more gentle and get some slippy mats, like butter rugs.

but it shouldn't be a factor that holds you back.

[Estacy]

Gemini DD turntables

Neither of us really have any experience at all with vinyl


seems to me like there's your answer. combination of a non experienced touch and a tt that isnt all too powerful. but that shouldn't matter

[Windows 95]

and a tt that isnt all too powerful.It's plenty powerful, it has about the same amount of torque as a 1200. Granted the TT04 is a better turntable, but the TT02 isn't a slouch for scratching.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW6UJeLOKQQ

[sss18734]

I've played around with those exact turntables before. A slight touch on the vinyl isn't supposed to stop them from spinning. Their torque is solid. Are you sure you're not just pressing much too hard? If not, it sounds like an issue with the motor.

[Windows 95]

I'm pretty sure they are tt02's if that helps?You'll probably want to upgrade from those, especially if you plan on mixing.

On the lower end:
Numark TT-200
Stanton T.92
Technics SL-1200 series

On the higher end:
Numark TT-500
Numark TTX
Numark TTXUSB
Stanton ST-150
Stanton STR8-150

[Estacy]

It's plenty powerful, it has about the same amount of torque as a 1200. Granted the TT04 is a better turntable, but the TT02 isn't a slouch for scratching.


I stand corrected!

[xyloft]

You'll probably want to upgrade from those, especially if you plan on mixing.

On the lower end:
Numark TT-200
Stanton T.92
Technics SL-1200 series

On the higher end:
Numark TT-500
Numark TTX
Numark TTXUSB
Stanton ST-150
Stanton STR8-150

:O are you trying to troll the technics fans on purpose?! low end. PFFFT.

to the op: you should be able to barely touch the record to stop it. it should take almost no pressure at all.

[Windows 95]

:O are you trying to troll the technics fans on purpose?! low end. PFFFT.If you are buying decks for turntablism, which is what it sounds like it was in this case. By today's standards Technics are low end. Bare minimum torque, small pitch range, S-shaped tone arm, fixed pitch fader, no 78 RPM, no reverse, no battle stop/start button, etc. Extremely expensive, but still low end.

[dimos]

I think just putting the words "Technics" and "low end" together is not going to make any friends.

I've got a pair of Technics and an extra Gemini TT-04, which is supposed to have the HIGHEST torque at 5.0kg. I can honestly say, there is nothing more you can pull off on the Gemini that you cant do on Techs. I mean, at the end of the day I guess its personal preference, but I think the whole Torque thing is a smidge overrated.

Mind you, Im not talking Belt drives or anything, just higher end turntables.

[Hausgeist]

:facepalm:

Why can't we ever have a discussion about turntables without someone starting a pissing match? Honestly, it is neither helpful nor amusing - just obnoxious. Thread closed.

OP, your question has been answered. Enjoy your decks.