Dual 1229 repair

Dual 1229 Repair & Restoration

Restore your 1229 to it’s full potential.

Many consider the 1229 to be the gold standard Dual. This classic idler drive turntable feels chunky and mechanical in all the best ways. Whether you need a routine service such as a steuerpimpel replacement or renewed lubrication, or you need a more extensive restoration, I can help.

Serving the Portland metro area, no shipping at this time.

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Why Restore a Dual 1229?

The Dual 1229 is considered one of the finest fully automatic turntables ever built. Many problems that develop are due to age, not design. A lot of issues resolve after the removal of old, hardened grease that has basically turned into glue.

Dual 1229 skate cam restoration
Dual 1229 skate cam restoration
Dual turntable service checklist
Dual turntable service checklist
Custom built low capacitance RCA interconnects
Custom built low capacitance RCA interconnects
Plinth restoration
Plinth restoration

Common Dual 1229 Issues

  • Automatic cycle no longer works
  • Strobe light bulb burned out
  • Tonearm won’t move during start
  • Turntable won’t start
  • Runs too fast or too slow
  • Speed changes unexpectedly
  • Motor hum, chatter, or vibration
  • Cueing doesn’t lower smoothly
  • Old grease has hardened
  • RCA cables or muting switch issues, loud pop at the start or end of a record cycle
  • Excessive rumble or noise

Most of these issues are repairable without replacing the turntable and it’s worth doing. When properly and routinely serviced these turntables can last another 50 years.

Restoration Philosopy

At this point, these turntables are around 50 years old. The fact that they can be restored to run another 50 years is pretty incredible. Each of these units has a history, even if its full story is lost. I believe these tables are worth preserving and are worthy of a thoughtful and careful process to bring them back to full potential.

Whenever possible, I restore original components as opposed to replacing with aftermarket or 3D printed alternatives. My goal is always to present a turntable that’s reliable, clean, and operates as it should.

Bench Fee & Estimates

Every repair begins with an inspection.

Diagnostic Fee: $80

The diagnostic fee is applied toward the repair if you decide to proceed.

After inspection, I’ll explain:

  • what I found
  • recommended repairs
  • estimated cost
  • whether the repair is economically worthwhile

If I don’t believe a repair makes sense, I’ll tell you.

Dual 1229 with restored plinth and dustcover
Dual 1229 with restored plinth and dustcover

Ready to Restore Your Dual 1229?

If your Dual 1229 isn’t performing the way it should, I’d be happy to take a look. I strive for FixMyDual quality without the need to ship.

Request service