If the table, shelf or other surface is not completely level, you will never get the machine to work properly. [2] X Research source You may need to put some wood shims underneath the furniture in order to get it level.
Start/Stop button or knob, which you need to press to get your record playing or stopping. Cueing lever, which allows you to raise or lower the tone arm. Speed selector, which allows you to select either 33 or 45 revolutions per minute, depending on the speed indicated on your vinyl record. Record size selector on automatic record players. This selector allows you to choose whether you want to play a 12 or a 7-inch vinyl record. Tone arm and cartridge, which reads the music from the grooves on the vinyl record.
For instance, if the manufacturer recommends 1. 5 grams, you should adjust the counter-weight to 1. 5 grams.
Be careful not to hold onto the flat surface of the record, since it will get dirty and wear out faster.
Some 12 inch vinyl records play at 45 revolutions per minute. To adjust the speed on some manual players, you may have to take off the platter. Then, move the belt to the appropriate groove for either 33 1/3rd or 45 revolutions per minute. The appropriate groove should be indicated in your owner’s manual.
If you drop the tone arm down and it misses the side of the record or starts playing the wrong song, press the cueing lever to raise the tone arm back up. Then, try to align the tone arm with the side of the record and drop it down again.
It is best to set it to a quarter of a gram or less. [5] X Research source
If the records look dusty, it is time to clean them. [7] X Research source If you have a record cleaning brush and a manual player, play the record without putting the tone arm down. Use the brush to remove any dust while the record is moving.