Vintage turntable running fast, any ideas?


I got a Pioneer Pl-12 turntable from a friend who had it stored away for years. I cleaned it up but have found that some voices have a higher pitch compared to the CD version. I tried the free strobe disks and they verified my fears about the platter turning (I assume) too fast. I also measured similar songs from CDs and albums, and the albums always finish sooner. From some rough time estimates, the turntable is running about 3% too fast.

Looking from the bottom side up on the turntable, there are no adjustments and very little electronics at all. The only electronics are: the motor with a few wires running to it; an enclosed switch to select 115/230 voltable, and a somewhat large capacitor (I think). The "capacitor" has a rating of 0.1 uF and some serial numbers.

I suspect the "capacitor" is old or burnt or whatever. I doubt the voltage switch is the prolem, nor the motor, but who knows?

Any ideas? I have a voltage meter so I can measure the usual volts, ohms, or ampere, but I don't have an oscilloscope to measure frequency.

Thanks for any ideas,
rrick
It's funny how these threads have a life of their own and don't go in the direction you expect. My initial thought that it was some electrical problem within the turntable, but, most of the talk has been with mechanical issues.

Of all the suggestions, I think the thick belt suggestion is the one I plan to try next. I compared the current belt with a previous worn out one and sure enough it was much thicker. Once I get the speed correct, and get a stable disk strobe pattern, I'll check out if the motor has fast/slow problems. After that, its time to enjoy the thing or drop it off at the nearest thrift shop.

One thing I have learned here is the importance of a second source to compare things. (Now reread the above sentence until you understand it.) I only found the speed problem by comparing the record to a CD copy. After a couple of albums and CDs, something didn't sound right, and that helped me find the problem. In the process of switching the turntable between my main stereo system and the TV surround system, I've found that my much more expensive stereo system has a severe bass problem! Ah yes, this never ends, does it.
Hi fi is usually a bottomless pit - but have you ever noticed that most musicains listen to things with the sonic elegance of a mice powered turntable using a 4" nail hooked up to an old tin can with a bit of string?
I have a theory on why musicians have such crappy stereo systems. From watching my violin playing brother-in-law, he uses a stereo like someone would use a hammer. All he wants from a stereo is the pace and tone of the music; mainly so he can play it himself. As such, he sees no need for an expensive system with great imaging and timbre, fast attack, etc. What's funny is that these are the same qualities he expects out of his violin!
Unless you want to play along is the speed really such a big issue ? Or does it really bug you now that you've noticed :-) ?

HiFi is like cars ... best not to go looking for problems !
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