Please Help. J. A. Michell Gyro SE - Speed Issue

Thank you all for the excellent replies'.

I should add that I installed a new belt a few months ago.  I put a new belt on every 4-5 years.

I change the oil every winter.  5W30 Mobil One.

Yes, I have speed control in a black box that sits below the table on another shelf.  There is a small screw (horizontal) to turn that adjusts faster or slower the speed of the table.  The table is running so fast there is not enough adjustment in the screw to slow it down.  I don't know if its a DC or AC motor, does the speed control in the box provide a clue?

I will attempt to contact fidelity imports....thanks for the tip.

And thanks Bill for the Pots cleaning tip....I have a can of electronic cleaner, I may try that as well....

Hi rhg3, yes the belt is on the proper upper pulley. Good call, that slip up would cause the issue for sure! No, its not playing at 45 rpm...someplace in between. I did contact fidelity imports. They are kind of busy with the show over in Europe, and seem to be short staffed. I’m trying to be patient.  According to the electronic link provided from above, I have a DC motor....no knurled nut just below the pulley...

I always use a record clamp. The belt is new, early spring of 2024. Platter oil changed Xmas of 2023. Proper pulley location. I was putzing around again with the speed adjustment screw in the off board black box (today). I literally turned the screw CCW at least 6-7 full turns.(what could go wrong??) The table did slow down to a snail pace faster that 33.33. I use a Cardas Frequency Sweep record that has a strobe on one side. I place the needle on one of the frequency sweeps and then hit it with a strobe light. So, at least, for today, it is again working, somewhat, but still concerns me as to why it went haywire in the first place.....I do appreciate all the feedback and help as I seem to be clueless as to why this is occuring.

This table was purchased used from Audiogon in 2003. Actual Model year not really known.  But after the AC motor went out of production....

Humm, something odd going on at fidelity imports.  No reply from multiple emails.  Not sure what's going on 😔.

Hello Friends!

Thank you for taking the time and effort to help resolve this speed issue.

Vair makes a logical comment,  I will continue down his path of recommendations.

In the meantime, Fidelity Imports did get back to me.

They shuttled me to another company called The Listening Room.  Mike is the owner and can be reached at 410-239-2020.

I spoke with Mike, who took over the business from his dad. They handle Michell tables, but don't seem to have a internet presence.

He has the Michell DC motor in stock, so I pulled the trigger and purchased one.  Price was $699. 

I have to look at the positive...Its a really nice table, expensive as sin, so fixing it is a better alternative than purchasing a brand new one! 

I will do that! rhg3!

Greetings Friends!

I did receive the new DC motor and controller from Mike @ the listening room.

The instructions were concise, but required cutting wires and then soldering wires near critical electronic components. All this to get a new hook up. I took another path, which was to drill out the motor housing hole which allows you to pass thru the 7/16" connector plug. If you look at the photo album attached below via Google Link you will see what I’m talking about. It worked just fine!  

New motor ran a bit fast, but I adjusted it with my Cardas Frequency Sweep record with strobe label. We are back in business, but ~$700 poorer. Still less expensive that purchasing a new high quality table. As a side note, anyone know of a company that could look over my old motor controller and see if they can repair it. Would be nice to have a spare....

Be good, take care!

Thanks!  

I appreciate the accolades!

I'm a firm believer that well built equipment could last you a lifetime!  Properly maintained...