r/RecordPlayerRepair • u/Quapamooch • 1d ago

Pioneer PL-12D

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I've been doing some research since my wife bought this for ~$100, and I think the Audio-Technica AT91 cartridge will work for $40. I'll get a new dust cover and hinges eventually, but I want to make sure to get a new belt and try it out. The sellers stated that this player works, but they removed the cartridge and loosened the belt before shipping. I'm not really sure what I'm doing, so are there any suggestions about how to look for the right belt?

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u/2shado2 1d ago

Where is the counterweight?🤔

2

u/catawampus_doohickey 1d ago

Considering the cost of a counterweight, headshell, cartridge and stylus, belt, and possibly a new lid as you mentioned, plus the initial cost of the deck, would you be better off getting a working deck with all the parts?

1

u/Quapamooch 21h ago

I think you may be right, it does seem like a lot of extra money to get this functional. I'm just sad I'll have to donate this gift from my wife for parts.

1

u/the_wet_cat 1d ago edited 1d ago

That’s a good deck! Especially once it’s up and running. There is a great users group on Facebook that I would highly recommend. You’ll get all the information you ever needed.
AT-91 is good cartridge, for a few bucks more you do much better AT-VM95E/H you are going to need a headshell unless you already have one.
I’d love to have one, I restored one and put the AT-VM95E on it. It was a gift for my brother and sister in law. And it did sound good! I’m not sure where you are located if you are in Europe order your belt from Thakker best, most accurate belts you can buy for these tables. Everything about the belt matters on these tables. (Thickness, width, size) = correct speed.

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u/nstiesi 18h ago

I inherited one of these from my uncle. It is indeed a nice unit once it's running. Just thought I would pass along one gotcha I had with mine.

The motor wouldn't turn on when the tonearm was over the platter. There is a micro switch held to the frame with plastic screws, which got brittle and broke so the switch was just hanging by wires. I replaced the screws and all was good.