Posted on Fri, 07 Jun, 2019
Posted by Richard

The Linn LP12, where do I start? Probably the most well known player in the UK, if not the world – this classic has been aestehically greatly unchanged over the last four decades.

LP12_playing_record_shadow_med_res

The brain child of Ivor Tiefenbrun, the LP12 has continued to offer an ever chaning modular apporach meaning that no matter age or specification there will always be unpdates and improvments avilalbe.

This leads me on to an LP12 I had in for service a few weeks ago – overall condition was good, the gent had not really used it for a good few years and wanted to to utilise his record collection again!

Initially he wanted to the deck running and the plinth changing from black to Rosenut, basically a fresher.

After a free initial inspection of the LP12 I could see some leakage from the bearing, this would need chainging. The motor was noisey, it spooled up and held speed nicely however the noise was not to toleanace – this would als need chaging.

After explaining this to the customer we reached a decision based upon my recommendations of works needed/worth carrying out. What follows is a selection of pictures surrounding the work with a description of the work undertaken and the improvements gained!

LP12REBIUD1

As you can see the inner platter, belt and outer platter have been removed (if you are transporting you deck you should be doing this also) We have a trust jig in order to safely hold the deck while allowing easy access to the inside!

LP12REBUILD2

Inside the LP12 part the way through removal – there is a cross brace under were the bearing goes which holds the main board, whether this be Valhalla, Majik or in this case Lingo – the Lingo was functioning perfectly so it was decided not to change at this time,  I did however clean the connections on the board with Caig Labs to ensure the best possible connection! The old motor can clearly been seen on the left – although the speed tolerance was good – the motor was very noisey, something that will be detrimental to sound, surprisingly so. The sub platter floats supported by three springs isolated using rubber grommets – this design has gone unchanged over the lifetime of the deck – better components yes but the basic idea remains.

LP12REBUILD3

A break down of components, the old subchasis and the back is starting to look out dated, this is also a two piece design – part metal and the actual arm board is MDF – the new Sub chassis is far more sturdy – reducing vibration around the arm, therefor improving performance. The springs will be changed as a matter of course, the new sub chassis comes with them however a deck of these age we would always recommend it. The tonearm cable was also to be upgraded , when this arm was manufactured less importance was placed on cables – this view thankfully as evolved certainly over the last ten years and now you get a cable befitting of such as quality arm. Do not underestimate the imporovment to be gained!

LP12REBUILD4

Old VS new, as you can see  the arm is resting in the new subchasis – the printing on the new armboard looks far more modern, giving the deck a new breath of life aesthetically.

LP12REBUILD5

A close up of the new sub chasis, arm board assemnly – this one altough still two piece is significant upgrade on the old one.

 

LP12REBUILD6

As the Itok requires an arm rest and these do not come pre drilled (well I am sure they can but  I forgot to ask!) some work needed to be carried out – gently using a hand drill is the bet method!

LP12REBUILD8

They may not look all that different however this new motor on the right is going to ensure this LP12 is spinning at the right speed for years to come. fitting could not be more simple.

LP12REBUILD7The old a rather tired looking frame,

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