What cartridge for a Technics L DD33 turntable?

B

bluegrassphile

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Does anyone know what cartridge the L DD33 came with? If it's still in the turntable after sitting since the late '80s to early '90s, is it still good or should it be replaced. I don't own anything 2 channel to play the TT on for now. But I was wondering if the original cartridge is still any good or if I should just go ahead and buy an updated cartridge? Any recommendations for a new cartridge (under $500 please)?
 
If that is an SL DD33 it was fitted for a TP4 cartridge which is going to be difficult to find. Better luck finding a replacement stylus if the TT in fact still works.
 
Jack said:
If that is an SL DD33 it was fitted for a TP4 cartridge which is going to be difficult to find. Better luck finding a replacement stylus if the TT in fact still works.
Click to expand...

By stylus do you mean needle? I'm not knowledgeable on turntables at all. Would an after market cartridge work?
 
Yes the stylus is the needle and to replace it you need to know what the cartridge that is on the TT is or buy an entirely new p-mount cartridge. If this is all foreign to you I wouldn't recommend it as an undertaking. However if you're determined call Gary at VOM and talk to him. He may have an appropriate stylus or p-mount cartridge.
 
Short answer no. P-mount turntables and their cartridges were only made for a short period of time and other than a few still made Audio Technica models there are very few to be found. Depending on who Technics was buying from the particular year your TT was made there is a good possibility that company may not even be in business. P-mount or TP4 cartridges were mounted on light weight straight tonearms with limited adjustment so the weight of the cartridge stylus combo had to fall in a specific range. Also if that TT has been sitting up for decades there is a good possibility that factory supplied grease has hardened and needs replacing. It's not rocket science and their are on line manuals for most of it on places like Vinyl Engine but if you have never taken one apart it takes patience and some dexterity. If you decide you need parts including a new cartridge this is where I would look.

https://www.turntableneedles.com/fi...onic;+National&modelname=SL-DD33&Select=Model

That link should take you to your specific TT.
 
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