Hi friends! I'm new to older records, I have a Victor J1-95 from my grandfather, but I'm more used to more modern stuff (I have a Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT). Where do I start with getting it to work? I've cranked it up and moved the brake into the move position, but nothing happens, I can hear spinning and an occasional thump though. With records- do these old machines only play 78's? I have "Hill of Pure Heart/China Night", but that's all.
I'm sorry if these are all novice questions but I'm just trying to get an understanding.
Where to start?
-
- Victor VI
- Posts: 3310
- Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2017 11:39 am
- Personal Text: I've got both kinds of music--classical & rag-time.
- Location: South Carolina
Re: Where to start?
Hi there. Am assuming you are in the Far East? Japan?
Yes, they do only play 78s, and your Japanese Victor J1-95 was built around 1930. Quite a good machine. Crank it up and release the brake and if the turntable does not move something is probably broken in the motor. It can be repaired. Parts are still manufactured but I don't know if there are parts sellers there or if you'll need to order from elsewhere.
Once you get the motor to spin you will want to have the reproducer rebuilt and then order fresh needles, not from India.
Yes, they do only play 78s, and your Japanese Victor J1-95 was built around 1930. Quite a good machine. Crank it up and release the brake and if the turntable does not move something is probably broken in the motor. It can be repaired. Parts are still manufactured but I don't know if there are parts sellers there or if you'll need to order from elsewhere.
Once you get the motor to spin you will want to have the reproducer rebuilt and then order fresh needles, not from India.
- m_nakamura
- Victor Jr
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Wed Feb 12, 2025 6:59 pm
Re: Where to start?
Hi! Im Japanese but my family and I moved to North America, the J1-95 is a hand-me-down haha. For the broken motor is there a good book or video tutorial on how I can open the machine and fix it?- Or are there repair people I could reach out to that you know of?
- Roaring20s
- Victor V
- Posts: 2730
- Joined: Wed Jun 13, 2012 1:55 am
- Personal Text: Those who were seen dancing were thought insane by those who could not hear the music. Nietzsche
- Location: Tucson, AZ
Re: Where to start?
Maybe this seller has advise?
https://jp.mercari.com/item/m8012244683 ... 6SAnwRiatb
Here are photos of the motor from the above link ...
James.
https://jp.mercari.com/item/m8012244683 ... 6SAnwRiatb
Here are photos of the motor from the above link ...
James.
- m_nakamura
- Victor Jr
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Wed Feb 12, 2025 6:59 pm
Re: Where to start?
Thanks! I opened the machine with some help from my father and I see that the small cog in the center has worn down to where it no longer catches. Probably what is causing the problem! 

-
- Victor Monarch Special
- Posts: 6184
- Joined: Mon Aug 24, 2009 3:08 pm
- Location: Southeast MI
Re: Where to start?
Can you post any pictures of the problem?m_nakamura wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2025 10:43 pm Thanks! I opened the machine with some help from my father and I see that the small cog in the center has worn down to where it no longer catches. Probably what is causing the problem!![]()
- m_nakamura
- Victor Jr
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Wed Feb 12, 2025 6:59 pm
Re: Where to start?
I would but my computer is a desktop.
-
- Victor Monarch Special
- Posts: 6184
- Joined: Mon Aug 24, 2009 3:08 pm
- Location: Southeast MI
Re: Where to start?
So is mine. Digital camera? Webcam? Friend with a smartphone to email a pic to you?
- paradroid1793
- Victor O
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Wed Jan 22, 2025 7:37 pm
- Personal Text: "His Master's Voice"
- Location: Michigan
Re: Where to start?
If the J1-95 isn't too new, you could look for a replacement for the broken part at The Phonograph Shop.