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Topic: Zenith Turntable B908-1/B910-1 (Read 3108 times) previous topic - next topic
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Zenith Turntable B908-1/B910-1

I picked up this sweet Zenith turntable in the console.  I'm experiencing a couple problems with the tire that spins as a result of touching the shaft that comes out of the motor.

1) The main problem is that it's noisy when the rubber tire spins against the shaft. When the tire spins by itself it's quiet and so is the motor.

I can't figure out how to insert my own picture so you can see if all the parts are there.

2) When I turn it on, I have to spin it a few times with my hand and then you feel it "catch" and it spins by itself?

Any thoughts?

Zenith Turntable B908-1/B910-1

Reply #1 –
Quote
Any thoughts?
Yeah...  But a new direct drive turntable.     

Direct drive turntables don't have rubber wheels or belts and they are virtually zero-maintenance.  I've got a direct drive turntable that's at least 25 years old and it still works fine.  (I don't use it that much.  I only use it for occasionally digitizing an LP, but I was using it before I got my first CD player.) 

The rubber wheel has probably hardened and dried-out.    In the old days, you could go to any electronics store and buy a replacement wheels & belts for any popular turntable, but of course there's not much demand anymore.

I did find this site where you can get your drive wheel re-built or you may be able to buy a replacement.    You are buying a part that's no longer mass-produced and they ain't cheap!

I don't know anything about that turntable but turntables with drive wheels were usually "cheap".  Higher end turntables were usually belt drive, at least until direct drive came along.    I think the most expensive turntables are still belt drive but you can get a good direct drive that's plenty "good enough for analog".

If you decide to replace the turntable, Knowzy.com has lots of turntable reviews & recommendations (mostly focusing on USB turntables).    I recommend you get a turntable with a magnetic cartridge.    Your Zenith may have a ceramic cartridge.  And, you need a preamp with a magnetic cartridge.    (USB turntables have a preamp built-in.)
   

Quote
2) When I turn it on, I have to spin it a few times with my hand and then you feel it "catch" and it spins by itself?
As a quick-temporary fix, I used to apply some dishwashing detergent.  At first it's slippery and it won't work at all but as the detergent starts to dry it gets sticky/gooey and you get better traction.


Zenith Turntable B908-1/B910-1

Reply #2 –
Sometimes a pencil eraser will clean the wheel or the shaft nicely so it will work from the start up.
Was that a 1 or a 0?

Zenith Turntable B908-1/B910-1

Reply #3 –
There's a fair bit of advice online about cleaning idler-drive wheels. Well worth having a go at it before you commit to spending money. either on a new wheel or a new turntable.

Take a look at the second post on this page, about cleaning the wheel and also checking the mechanism that holds the wheel: http://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5045

Zenith Turntable B908-1/B910-1

Reply #4 –
I remembered something else...    Sometimes I'd use fine sandpaper or an emery board to give the wheel a little more grip/traction.

But realistically, unless there's grease or oil on the wheel and it just needs to be cleaned, or unless the bearing needs lubrication, the proper "permanent" repair is a new wheel with "fresh" rubber.

If you remove the wheel, it's usually held in place by a retaining ring.  The platter may have had a retaining ring also.    If you don't already have the proper tool, Id suggest getting one.  If you improvise with screwdrivers & pliers, etc, the retaining ring often "goes flying" and it can get frustrating looking for it.  And if you can't find it, your local hardware store may not have the exact same one and if you have to order one over the Internet and you'll have to wait and you'll pay more for shipping than for the part.

Zenith Turntable B908-1/B910-1

Reply #5 –
Quote from: DVDdoug on
I don't know anything about that turntable but turntables with drive wheels were usually "cheap".  Higher end turntables were usually belt drive, at least until direct drive came along.    I think the most expensive turntables are still belt drive but you can get a good direct drive that's plenty "good enough for analog".

There's a bit of a cult following for Garrard 301s and 401s (noteably in Japan, which is unusual), plus there's an old Thorens model that falls into the same bracket of fandom. There are quite a few (pricey) custom rebuild services available.

I don't know the Zenith brand, though, but here's some Zenith-related advice: http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum...=18&t=75819

 

Zenith Turntable B908-1/B910-1

Reply #6 –
Quote from: JabbaThePrawn on
Quote from: DVDdoug on
I don't know anything about that turntable but turntables with drive wheels were usually "cheap".  Higher end turntables were usually belt drive, at least until direct drive came along.    I think the most expensive turntables are still belt drive but you can get a good direct drive that's plenty "good enough for analog".

There's a bit of a cult following for Garrard 301s and 401s (noteably in Japan, which is unusual), plus there's an old Thorens model that falls into the same bracket of fandom. There are quite a few (pricey) custom rebuild services available.

I don't know the Zenith brand, though, but here's some Zenith-related advice: http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum...=18&t=75819

And a video, which may or may not be relevant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAb6YrbEoEg