Crosley Record Player Sounds Distorted? (Here’s How to Fix)

If your Crosley record player sounds distorted, this guide will show you how to resolve this!

The sound distortion on a Crosley record player may be coming from a variety of factors ranging from the speed/pitch control to cartridge alignment and tracking force.

So, we’ve prepared this comprehensive guide to walk you through the most effective steps with detailed instructions. 

Let’s get started, shall we?

How to Fix When a Crosley Record Player Sounds Distorted?

Note: Have you tried unplugging and restarting your Crosley record player?

1. Adjust Speed & Pitch Control

If the sound from your Crosley record player sounds a bit off, and you hear distortions, perhaps you’re not using the correct speed, based on your record.

Crosley record players typically come with 3 different speed options for the spinning (33 ⅓, 45, and 78 RPM) – Revolutions Per Minute.

Each of these speed settings is designed for a different type of record:

• 33 ⅓ – For LPs (Long play records).
• 45 – For singles also known as 45s.
• 78 – For records released before 1950.

You can locate the speed selection switch near the base of the tonearm, so configure the speed according to your record.

If you don’t know the type of the vinyl record, test with the 3 speeds.

Note: If nothing helps, set the speed to 33 ⅓.

How to Adjust Pitch Control?

The pitch control is another speed selection feature, which allows much more delicate control of the speed for ultimate fine-tuning.

If you hear sound distortions we recommend trying to adjust the speed to perfection using the Pitch Control knob, found on the right side of your turntable.

So, play your vinyl record and try the following:

• To slightly increase the speed, turn the knob clockwise.
• To slightly decrease the speed, turn it counterclockwise.

If you still hear sound distortions, continue reading…

2. Verify the Turntable is Leveled

Sometimes, the sound distortions come from a bad turntable positioning, especially whenever the Crosley record player is tilted or wobbly.

What happens is that the rotation of the platter is not smooth, causing more or less pressure from the needle, leading to weird sound distortion.

To level out your Crosley record player, use the adjustable feet and ensure the turntable is not on a soft surface such as a carpet. 

Tip: If the feet are not adjustable, you can use a sheet of paper and a spirit level to ensure the Crosley record player is perfectly balanced.

3. Set the Correct Tracking Force

Note: Skip this step if your Crosley turntable has a fixed tracking force without a counterweight!

One of the culprits for the Crosley record player distorted sound is the tracking force, which is the pressure that the needle is applying onto the record grooves.

If your Crosley record player comes with adjustable tracking force (ring and weight), we’ll show you how to adjust it correctly.

Here’s how to correctly adjust the tracking force on the Crosley record player:

1. Release the counterweight via an Allen wrench.
2. Remove the arm from the holder and put it aside.
3. Spin the numbered ring to balance the tonearm.
4. The tonearm must be hovering on its own weight.
5. Then, spin the numbered ring for two revolutions.

You should set the tracking force somewhere between 1.5 and 2 grams. We recommend testing the tracking force and doing further adjustments based on the needle, cartridge, and alignment.

Reminder: Don’t forget to tighten the counterweight when ready!

4. Adjust the Tonearm’s Cartridge

Note: Skip this step if you don’t have an alignment protractor!

Well, even if the tracking force is correctly adjusted, when the entire cartridge is misaligned, the needle won’t make proper contact with the record’s grooves.

This is one of the primary reasons why you hear sound distortions, so you would need an alignment protractor to align it properly.

Here’s how to adjust the cartridge using an alignment protractor:

1. Turn off the turntable and install the alignment protractor.
2. Info: There are typically 2 alignment points (inner & outer).
3. Lower the tonearm to the outer alignment crosshair (point).
4. Verify that your cartridge’s body is parallel to the grid lines.
5. If not, use a screwdriver to undo the cartridge and adjust it.
6. Then, repeat the same steps to the inner crosshair (point).
7. Finally, tighten the cartridge using the screwdriver and test.

Tip: If you don’t have an alignment protractor, you can print one yourself using a model from the web and then cut the sheet of paper using scissors.

5. Clean Platter and Reinstall Belt

If you’ve tried everything but the Crosley record player sounds weird, the problem might be on a mechanical level, hence either with the platter or the belt.

There are two major possibilities here, either something is obstructing the platter from the underside, or the belt is loose or misaligned.

We’ve prepared two steps–removing and inspecting the platter, as well as installing the belt.

5.1 How to Check the Platter?

1. Locate the small ring holding the platter to the spindle.
2. Using a flathead screwdriver or a fingernail, remove it.
3. This will allow you to lift the platter and then inspect it.
4. Check the underside for foreign objects or obstructions.

Note: When you lift the platter the belt will come loose, so follow the next step for instructions!

5.2 How to Reinstall the Belt?

1. Flip the platter upside down on a flat surface.
2. Stretch and wrap the belt around the inner ring.
3. Push the belt tightly to enwrap the platter’s ring.
4. Next, flip the platter and hover it over the spindle.
5. Pinch one side of the belt and stretch it outwards.
6. Attach the stretched belt part to the motor pulley.
7. Release the belt and slowly slide down the platter.

Reminder: Don’t forget to secure the platter using the small ring to prevent any wobbly motion!

6. Clean the Record and the Stylus

Well, if nothing worked and your Crosley record player sounds distorted, it’s time to perform some cleaning on the record itself and stylus.

We recommend using a dry, microfiber cloth to wipe the vinyl record’s grooves as well as the tip of the stylus to verify there is no dust or debris.

If the sound distortion is still there, there is one last thing to try…

Try a Different Vinyl Record!

Well, if you have a different vinyl record to test with, we strongly recommend trying this before rushing to conclusions.

The distortion could be coming from scratches on the grooves, hence a new vinyl record would answer this question. 

Final Step: If you hear sound distortion on multiple records, you will need to replace the stylus!