My Beogram 4002 (5513) restoration project is finished after some final tuning. I made adjustments to the platter height and sub-chassis alignment, documenting the process for my YouTube channel. While my videos feature a Beogram 4000, the method for adjusting the platter bearing and sub-chassis are quite similar for the 4002 model.

The arm lowering limit was the next step, a crucial adjustment to safeguard the cantilever if the record detection malfunctions. Since the design of the record detection circuit doesn’t include a way to spot a light sensor failure, the arm could lower onto the platter if the turntable is started without a record – a terrible thought! This vulnerability is the reason the platter’s ‘ribs’ have lowered sections where the arm descends for various record sizes.

The image illustrates how the lowering limit adjustment stops the needle from hitting those lower rib sections:

After setting the arm lowering limit, it was time to calibrate the tracking force. Another video captures this process, demonstrating the tracking force gauge in action:

Finally, a test run for this beautiful Beogram 4002 was in order! Freddie Hubbard’s “The Love Connection”, a recent addition to my burgeoning record collection, got the call. Although criticized by some as being too “pop” or filled with pleasing melodies—not “real jazz” by some traditional interpretations—it’s a fantastic album in my book. Even Al Jarreau’s performance on “Little Sunflower” is enjoyable (I’m not usually a fan). Give it a listen! Many of the songs can be found on YouTube; here’s a link to “Little Sunflower”. Now, if they had only chosen a less cheesy album cover…:

The Beogram 4002, equipped with its eBay-sourced Soundsmith SMMC20 EN cartridge, looked and sounded phenomenal spinning this album:

Time to send this beauty to its new home!