News
- Wednesday, 26 June 2024: Getting back into the vinyl format or bought a LP12? [ Take it easy. ]
- Tuesday, 25 June 2024: Welcome to a new LP12 owner! I was contacted by someone the other day who was looking for his first ever LP12 and we managed to locate an absolutely gorgeous unit for him. Congratulations, and welcome to the fold! [ Here's a short report of my visit... ]
- Friday, 10 May 2024: If you have a LP12 with a Valhalla power supply but are looking for 33/45 switching, look no further than the Minos LP12 motor speed controller. We are soon going to run an article of someone in the country who imported and installed one for his turntable. Watch this space.
- Friday, 9 February 2024: Looking for a massive and worthwhile upgrade? Why not consider the Dewaudio Starmap and Startrail.
- See an article in Afrikaans about the LP12 turntable on Noordvandieberg.
Our focus is to offer advice and technical support to anyone in South Africa who owns an out-of-warranty Linn Sondek LP12 turntable.
The Linn Sondek LP12 turntable is a classic that has stood the test of time. Like good wine, a LP12 ages well. In fact, many of the original LP12 turntables originally manufactured in 1973 are still around. Most have been upgraded to later specifications.
Technical Support
The LP12 fundis on this website are enthusiasts that have spent a lot of time with their turntables. Many are also technical wizzes who understand the technology driving the LP12, and can service these units to get the best out of them.
Service and upgrades
It is not advisable to transport a LP12 turntable using courier companies. Instead, we put you in touch with recognised individuals in your area, where you can take your unit to them to have it serviced and upgrades performed.
Spares
Your LP12 is a fantastic product, but it will eventually require replacement parts. Motors and power supplies, belts and mats, armboards and tonearms, and cartridges – these are normal items you can replace or upgrade.
Plinth and Lid
The original LP12 plinth was made from Afromosia. Afromosia is a large tropical tree of the forests of Central and West Africa, and is now endangered. Modern LP12 plinths are available in a variety of hard-wood species such as birch, ash, cherry, and oak. In recent years Linn has also offered painted plinth options. Many aftermarket plinths are also available to suit every taste.
Early plinths were made of a simple yet sturdy construction. Later plinths from about 1984 onwards feature additional corner bracing to strengthen the frame. If your plinth does not have it, it is no big deal.
Platter and Sub-platter
Your LP12's platter is a precision-made product that is a vital compontent to your turntable. It consists of two parts: the sub-platter, also called the inner platter, is the one on which the second part, the outer platter, rests. Together, they form the basis on which your vinyl records will rest.
The thin felt mat is seen by many as a real pain, but it is probably still the default surface on which your LPs will lie. If static is a problem, use folded cellotape to stick the mat to the platter and avoid lifting it along with your record.
Motor and Power Supply
Your motor may have lasted for years, but somewhere down the line it will fail. It is not always fatal though, as motors can be serviced. Should you need a new motor, we can refer you to individuals who can source them. It could be a new unit, or pre-owned, depending on your budget.
The most common problem is failing capacitors, especially on the Valhalla power supply. This is an easy and affordable fix, and brings new life to older models.
Main Bearing
Apart from the stylus, the platter is the most direct contact your turntable has with the record. It relies on a quiet and stable bearing. The more freely the platter can spin in the bearing, the more stable the motor will run.
Depending on your current sub chassis and power supply, upgrading from the pre-Cirkus to the Cirkus or the Carousel is one of the most important upgrades you can make.
Subchassis and Suspension
The LP12 suspension is notoriously difficult to set up. Once it has been set up though, it should stay this way for a long time. LP12 fundis can supply suspension upgrade kits (springs, grommets, and fasteners) to ensure your LP12 can go on for a long time.
A number of upgrade options are available, from stock Linn items, to customised third-party products.
Tonearm and Armboard
The armboard and tonearm are the areas where very visible and important upgrades are made. Thousands of the older Ittok LVII, LVIII, and Basik arms are still peforming perfectly. The newer Ekos, Ekos SE, Arko, and Krane arms are all readily available.
There are many other non-Linn tonearms that will work perfectly with your LP12, two of them being Rega and Alphason.
Cartridge
Whether you use a budget MM cartridge or a super high-end MC, your tonearm must make the cartridge come alive. Arms and cartridges should be properly matched.
Our LP12 fundis can advise you on the best way to ensure your tonearm is perfectly set up to accommodate the cartridge of your choice.
Base
The original LP12 was sold with a base of masonite and simple, yet effective, rubber feet on each corner. Over the decades Linn issued upgraded base plates. Many effective baseplates are available from third-party manufacturers featuring rigid milled alloy constructions with the option to fit threaded feet or spikes to level the turntable.
Miscellaneous
Top plates, bottom covers, power switches, lids, and belts – all these can be replaced, upgraded, or repaired. If your top plate is a bit scratched or dirty, our LP12 fundis can guide you to the correct way to make it look like new again. [ See this article for more miscellaneous information. ]
Trust those that have done this, and maybe made a few mistakes along the way, to share their valuable experience.
The Mechanics
We offer assistance with the following services
Our various Linn fundis supply a range of services. All are perfectly capable of servicing your LP12 by performing maintenance, or add new or replacement parts. Some will offer more services, especially where non-original Linn solutions are used, such as modified suspensions, power supply solutions, and tonearms.
General maintenance
Have an expert look at your LP12, check the main bearing, add oil if necessary, check the position of the motor, test the startup speed, check for speed consistency, and perform a general cleanup.
Subchassis and suspension
Suspensions are subject to movement such as lateral and vertical upsets. In time, the suspension needs to be checked, springs tightened, the main bearing and platter checked, and the armboard levelled at all four corners. We can offer upgrades where relevant, else suggest expenses relating to smaller items that form part of the subchassis and suspension.
Power supply upgrades
Each time an upgrade is made to the power supply, the objective is to provide a smoother operation, and more effective isolation from disturbances through your home's power feed.
Various upgrades
Some owners decide they want a new plinth for their trusted turntable. There are a few experts that can build a new plinth in the finish of your choice. Even if they do not go this far, they can service the plinth, deal with nicks and scuffs, and generally make the plinth appear as good as new.
LP12 Stories
We share the stories of some LP12 owners.
The Linn Sondek LP 12 was always a dream of mine as a young lad growing up. I also somehow had a little fear deep within me, as I always assumed that one needs to be a technical expert to own an LP12, as it was rumoured to be a very high maintenance piece of Hifi equipment.
Life moved on but I still had this deep yearning for the Sondek LP12 and that feeling never went away. After speaking to the LP12 gurus on the LP12 site, I realised that my fears are far from reality. With time and patience I finally have my very own piece of musical history, a 1985 stock standard Sondek LP 12; and it proudly forms the centrepiece of my setup. The wait was well worth it. Listening to an LP plays to my soul and not my ears.
Muks Naidoo
New LP12 Owner
The biggest mistake I made during 40 years or more of having hifi components, was to sell my LP12 years ago. I regretted that decision. Circumstances prevented me from getting another LP12, but the moment it was possible, I bought a pristine unit made in 1982. My vinyl days have restarted, maybe not in the way I used to enjoy the hobby, but this time I am sure my LP12 will outlive me.
Andries
Web developer, LP12 enthusiast
When I first saw the silhouette of the Sondek LP12 in the mid nineties I was obsessed with how it looked. This of course sparked a fiery interest in the turntable and its story, and in 2016 I got my first LP12. It has been a love affair since then.
Dewald
LP12 enthusiast
What do other LP12 owners have?
Here are some random photos to show what the LP12 turntables and components of some of our visitors look like.
- All
- Turntables
- Motors and Power Supplies
- Suspensions
- Bearings and Platters
- Armboards and Tonearms
The Team
This website is not a business. It simply aims to be a quality support site, assisted by enthusiasts who enjoy their turntables. Here are some of our LP12 fundis who are ready to help you. If you need assistance, we advise you to contact the LP12 fundi closest to you. As we said elsewhere, sending your priceless LP12 by courier is just about the worst mistake you can make. Apart from having to pack it properly for its journey (Few of us have the original packaging material our turntables were originally delivered in.), the courier company is not going to treat the parcel properly. Rather just take it yourself. Here are some pointers before you drive off, to ensure that even if you take it yourself, mishaps and expensive repairs can be avoided.
- Remove the outer platter. Protect it properly with any soft material. Be careful that it does not slip out.
- Insert pieces of folded cardboard under the inner platter so that it is lifted up by about 1 cm. This way the central shaft's contact point does not touch the bottom of the bearing. At the same time there is little chance of spilling bearing oil.
- Remove the tonearm's counterweight. This protects the arm's bearings, even if the arm is tied down.
- Cover the cartridge. Nuff said.
Andries Oberholzer
Web developer and general contact084 531-8046
Dewald Visser
LP12 Fundi, Pretoria region072 039-5379
Wayne Roux
LP12 Fundi, Johannesburg region072 336-5599
Leander Van Rooyen
LP12 Fundi, Stellenbosch region082 088-6688
Let us share some information about our team of LP12 fundis.
Andries Oberholzer, is me, just the web developer, but with a keen interest in music and vinyl. My vinyl days, like with many others, had its ups and downs. I started with decent products in 1983 when I upgraded from a Pioneer rack system to my first decent hifi. Lemmie Davis from Soundlab in Milpark patiently sat with me, a student at the time, for many hours and allowed me to listen to systems I could never afford (LP12/Ittok/Asak frontend, Naim amplification, and Linn Kan, Sara, and Isobarik speakers) but man, they sounded unbelievable. What I bought eventually was something more in line with my university bursary payout – a Rega Planar 3, NAD 3020A, Boston A40, Linn Kan stands, and Monster speaker cable. Later on I would sell these and go digital. It sounded excellent, but the same passion was never there again, until the second Planar 3 came my way in 2004, then the first LP12 in 2006. We often do stupid things. I admit that being out of the loop with vinyl for many years was one of the stupid things I did.
If you are in the Pretoria area, Dewald Visser is the man to contact. There is little he cannot do. I was fortunate enough to chat with him about the development work he has done for the LP12 sub-chassis. I saw the parts, and let me tell you, the build quality is exceptional. Dewald designed the various parts – sub-chassis, armboard, base, and top plate. Along with the smaller bits like springs, spacers, bolts, and nuts, this is a formidable kit that will let your LP12 really shine. While the bad exchange rate makes it expensive to source parts from abroad, it is great to see that locally there is immense talent. Dewald also builds his own amplifiers, and services just about any product that has to do with audio. More information is available on Dewaudio.
I have known Wayne Roux since 1989. In 2004 I bought a Rega Planar 3 (my second one), and Wayne installed a new motor for me. In 2006, he coaxed me to look at a LP12 and in no time I was the owner of a mint unit with an Alphason HR100S tonearm and Ortofon Kontrapunkt a moving coil cartridge. That was most definitely the best turntable I ever owned. Wayne is passionate about turntables, cartridges, phono stages, and vinyl, and has helped many fortunate LP12 owners to get the best out of their equipment, and many others to get a LP12. If you are in the Johannesburg / East Rand area, Wayne is your answer.
Leander Van Rooyen is a legend in the hifi industry in South Africa. He gets his passion from his father, who, along with Lemmie Davis from what was then Soundlab, was one of the first people to bring Linn products to our shores. Leander recalls that his dad knew how to perfectly set up a LP12. The apple certainly has not fallen far from the tree. We are delighted to have Leander on board. He brings a wealth of knowledge about the turntable and hifi in general. It is great to hear that there are individuals who are still passionate about spinning the black stuff. If you are in the Western Cape and your LP12 needs a bit of TLC, contact Leander without delay.
If you are experienced in working with LP12 turntables and would like to join the team, send us your details and we will list you here.
Your questions answered
Here are some common questions we hear all the time, answered as honostly as possible.
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My platter and armboard sit too low above the top plate and the platter scrapes against it. What can I do?
In time the suspension will sag. This is simply gravity doing its thing. Your suspension needs to be adjusted at all three points. Doing this yourself is risky. First, you will not have the required jig to mount the turntable onto so that you can work from the bottom upwards. Second, even if the unit has been switched off for a while, if you touch the capacitors on the power supply, you are toast. Rather contact any LP12 fundi in your area. They will know what to do.
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My platter has discoloured. What is wrong?
Discolouration is sometimes annoying, but it is normal. As your platter ages, it loses its original shine. It is protected by a layer of lacquer. Do not remove this unless you really must do it. Some owners like a shiny, almost chrome, appearance. If you must do this, let us suggest the best way so that you do not ruin your very expensive platter. Learn more...
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My music just does not sound right and sometimes the platter seems to slow down. What is wrong?
The first place to start is to see if the power is switched on. If the red LED shines, but dimly and you have a Valhalla board or an external Lingo power supply, eventually the capacitors dry out and must be replaced. This is an easy fix, but ony by an experienced person. Do not touch your Valhalla board or any other electric components under any circumstances. Touching those capacitors can be fatal.
If you think the capacitors are in order, have the motor checked by a LP12 fundi. Sometimes all that is needed are a few drops of oil. Note that Ordinary Joe cannot do this himself as it requires taking off the bottom plate, removing the motor, and using the right oil.
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I have seen an ad for a pre-owned LP12. How legitimate is it?
There are many scammers out there who will take you for a ride, or just someone who does not know what they are talking about. Before you commit to buying a LP12, here are some pointers:
Online photos: You can spot a scammer a mile away. If there are five photos, for example, and each shows a LP12 with a different power switch, arm, cartridge, platter, and so on, it is probably not the actual unit for sale. I see this on Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace every day.
Price: A LP12 with a standard Valhalla power supply and Ittok cannot cost more than about R30 000.00. Any more than this is a ripoff. Check the serial number as a guideline to see when it was manufactured. See this article for an indication of milestone changes.
Ekos 1 tonearm: As good as the Ekos arm is, earlier versions had problems with the bearing and grease. This is impossible to fix locally and owners who had Ekos arms with stocky bearings sent theirs on extended trips to Linn in Scotland.
Function: Arrange to see the unit yourself and let the owner (a) switch it on – check the startup speed. Anything more than five seconds from 0 to 33 means the power supply's capacitors or on their way out, or that the belt is worn out.
Arm bearings: If possible, ask the owner to rebalance the arm. This should indicate if there are possible issues with the arm's bearing.
General impression: Ask to listen to at least a few seconds of music you know. This will tell if the motor is stable, and if both channels work.
Appearance: Look out for obvious signs of wear that is more than usual – the plinth, lid, top plate, and arm board should be reasonably clean and clear of any dents or scratches that may indicate abuse. If there are signs of abuse here, chances are good that more sensitive parts may have been damaged.
If at all possible, ask a more knowledgeable friend to go with you to check out the unit. Remember that even if things look OK, you are buying the unit voetstoots and once it has left the seller's location, what goes wrong is for your pocket.
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The plinth has lost its shine. How can I restore it?
This is a very effective and easy fix. Take some teak oil and a sponge. Pour a small amount of oil on the sponge and carefully smear it around the plinth. Using a sponge ensures the oil penetrates the grooves. If you live in a dry climate, you may have to do this every few months.
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You mostly refer to the LP12. What about the Axis and Basik turntables?
The Axis and Basik turntables and excellent units in their own right. Sometimes though, they are a little bit harder to service, and spares are even more difficult to obtain. However, it is often only the power supply that gives problems and, like the Valhalla board on the LP12, it can be recapped and will function as new. If you have one of these turntables, then of course we will assist where we can.
Contact
LP12 is not a business entity, but part of the Andries Oberholzer Consulting group of activities, and we do not have a shop or store. We cannot guarantee that we can source spares. We rely on our LP12 fundis to assist owners of LP12, Basik, and Axis turntables. Feel free to contact us on info@lp12.co.za for general enquiries, else contact the various LP12 fundis listed in the team section.
Location:
Montana Park
Pretoria
0182
Email:
info@lp12.co.za
Call:
084 531-8046