Linn lp12


I recently installed a new motor in my Linn thinking that was the problem. Apparently not...it will not start unless I manuely turn the platter and bring it up to speed, otherwise it just humms. No good stereo shops in my area...any suggestions? Have it in a shop here now, but not to confident in their ability. They have never seen anything like the Linn...not good. They tell me it would help if they had a schematic...don't have one...help! lol..this is not good.
drifter22642
Where are you? I live in California. I too am a Linn LP12 owner. Had the same problem. Had the 'table completely gone thru, (motor, power supply, bearings, new cartridge, new tonearm cable, new TRAMPOLIN suspension, belt, etc., etc.) My issues had to do with LACK OF maintenence over a 20 year period of time. Stuff just needs to be upgraded and serviced every so often. I hadn't done a thing to my 'table...ever. If you don't know of or have access to a good Linn turntable guy in your area, feel free to email me as I have a great guy who's been at it since Christ was a small boy! He's a real T.T. Guru. Got my rig spinnin' like a champ and sounding awesome.
You didn't mention which motor controller is being used - Basik, Valhalla, or Lingo. A new belt would be a good start, as well as cleaning the pulley surface and the sub-platter. If it's a Lingo (outboard controller), then you'd have to send it to Linn for repairs unless you have excellent electronics skills. If it's the Valhalla, you'll probably need to have the board recapped (especially the electrolytics...the films tend to be fine); any competent technician should be able to handle it. The Basik is so simple, that it can only be the start capacitor or the resistor.
Take the big platter off and turn it on and check the belt for slippage. Put the big platter on upsidedown turn the unit on again to check the belt. Sometimes only a slight push of the platter will get it going. It's possible the 4 wires that connect to the motor are in the wrong order. The ribbon that connects the switch may also be on backward. If you want, leave me a # or email address. I have photos of mine so I can use them as a reference to address the problem. I have rebuilt two Sondek 12's. Don't give up, they're a great TT. Good luck.
Which power supply do you have? Basic, Valhalla, Lingo etc. Valhalla power supplies are pushing 20 years old and it might be time for service. A reasonable tech can determine if the power supply is at fault. Valhalla can be serviced for around $100 or you can replace the Valhalla with a Hercules after market power supply.