Dual 1229Q

Dual 1229Q Repair & Restoration

Restore your 1229Q to it’s full potential.

The 1229Q is a variation of the classic 1229 design. The “Q” stands for quad and the tonearm is wired for Quadrophonic playback, although you also need a receiver that can handle quad output as well.

None of this matters for standard stereo playback, however. The 1229Q feels nearly identical to the 1229 and uses the same top quality build components for the most part.

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

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Is a Dual 1229Q worth repairing or restoring?

Right along side the 1229 and 1219, the 1229Q is in the same league from a quality perspective. 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. In short, yes, it’s very much worth repairing or restoring one of these tables in almost every case.

Dual 1229Q polished dust cover and cleaned plinth
Dual 1229Q polished dust cover and cleaned plinth
Dual turntable service checklist
Dual turntable service checklist
Dual 1229 skate cam restoration
Dual 1229Q skate cam restoration
Custom built low capacitance RCA interconnects
Custom built low capacitance RCA interconnects
Dual 1229Q installed & aligned cartridge
Dual 1229Q installed & aligned cartridge
Dual 1229Q original documents
Dual 1229Q original documents

Common Dual 1229Q 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
  • Cracked anti-skate cam
  • Multi-play switch seized

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 1229Q open from the side
Dual 1229Q fully serviced

Ready to Restore Your Dual 1229Q?

If your Dual 1229Q is having issues or just doesn’t feel quite right, I’d be happy to take a look. I strive for FixMyDual quality without the need to ship.

Request service