I just dug out my parents old turntable, a Yamaha YP-B4, but it looks like it needs a little work. It needs a new belt, as the old one is missing, and it also needs a new cartridge. My concern is that the start/cut buttons don't seem to be working. When I plug in the table the motor spins, which is a good sign. From what my parents remember the start/cut buttons worked like a rocker switch, so depressing one would raise the other. Right now the start button seems stuck in the up position, and the cut in the down position. Would it be a bad idea to open up the table and try to figure out whats wrong? Any suggestions on how to best go about this repair if it is even possible?

i'm not sure about yours, but on some turntables, the platter movement controls the arm movements as well. a new belt may solve your problem.

i'm not sure about yours, but on some turntables, the platter movement controls the arm movements as well. a new belt may solve your problem.

Exactly. I believe this tt requires the platter to be moving for functions to operate correctly. In fact you might try spinning the platter manually to see if the buttons work correctly. But in any case, get the belt first.

You'll need a 25 inch flat belt, I know, I have a YP-B4 myself. The people at the shop where I got the belt seemed to think well of it. With the belt done, it still needs new feet, motor mounts, and a new headshell.

Just for giggles I put my YP-B4 on the bench, took out the belt and pushed a button. The motor started but that is all, so as these gentlemen suggested, if the platter does not move nothing happens.

It is a decent TT, mine unfortunately was badly packed and the dustcover arrived in three pieces. I put a Stanton 681EEE in it and use it in the shop to test amplifiers and phono stages.

I just spun the platter by hand and the buttons work. Now I'll order a belt online (are there any physical stores that carry belts?)

With the belt done, it still needs new feet, motor mounts, and a new headshell.

Why do I need to do all of this?

I just spun the platter by hand and the buttons work. Now I'll order a belt online (are there any physical stores that carry belts?)
No physical stores these days. Try lpgear.com, garage-a-records.com, turntableneedles.com, all reliable and all with reasonably quick shipping.

Originally Posted by Splatter Pak
"With the belt done, it still needs new feet, motor mounts, and a new headshell."

Why do I need to do all of this?
You don't. As long as everything works and sounds fine, you're in good shape. If an issue arises and you need to address it, you'll cross that bridge when you come to it, and you can always post here for help. Get the belt and a new cartridge and start enjoying music.:music:

EDIT: There may be local stores depending where you are located. Put your location in your profile so it shows up on your posts.

No physical stores these days.

The Needle Doctor is indeed a real store. I was there last week.

www.needledoctor.com

He wants to be able to take a drive over to a store. In know about needle doctor, but unless he's in Minnesota, it's not going to do him much good.

Regardless, Needle Doctor is a physical store, so yes they still exist.