My first roundie, ctc 16

[Kiwick]

Originally Posted by ctc17

Why would the cartridge go bad just sitting?

Because it's based on Rochelle salt crystal piezoelectric elements, which are hygroscopic, and dissolve with dampness just like regular table salt

if the set or a spare cartridge was stored in a less than ideal environment such as an unheated garage or a basement, the Rochelle crystal has likely dissolved.

Some cartridges such as BSRs from the 70s had sealed crystal elements and endure damp storage better, others had poor or no sealing and dissolved even in a moderately damp home environment.

When the crystal has dissolved, the cartridge usually has some green goo around its terminals or traces of corrosion to the metal stylus cantilever.

later ceramic cartridges are totally immune from this problem.

[DaveWM]

Another thing about the cart is it uses a little rubber part that engages the needle (on that one anyway prob an astatic 475) and activates the two elements. on mine the rubber had gotten hard as a rock was bent out of shape. I hope yours is ok, as they are somewhat hard to find and/or expensive (seen them for 30-60$).

The turntable drive uses a singel idler wheel. On one of mine I was able to turn the wheel on a lathe and take off about 1/16 to make it round (had a divot from the motor shaft drive) then I used a wide rubber band like the kind found on broccli (really) that fit around the wheel. Works like a charm. Since the wheel is just an idler, the diameter is not super critical, other than for making sure it falls withing the right size to put pressure on the turntable when engaged.