My BG4000, long-awaited, damaged in transit (aren't they all?) is at last back from repair. I ought to be delighted - and in many ways I am - but I would welcome some advice.Firstly, arm movements. Sometimes 12" records aren't recognised, usually they are, but the pick-up arm may move across a bit anyway & drop the stylus a few centimetres in: and if it does this,it seems to fall at an angle, dropping as the arm continues to track in. (I should add that this has only happened a few times & may be improving.) Arm movements also seem a little jerky, rather like a clockwork toy - I have never seen another 4000 & only have the BG8002 & 6002 for comparison, which both seem much smoother, but are much later (evolved?) designs.Is there an adjustment I should be making to the 'drop zone' or speed & is a liitle jerkiness compared with later models normal?Secondly, there is a hum... only a slight hum (yes, I have used screened cables, yes, there is a separate earth, hum much worse when earth drain is disconnected) but enough to be irritating. The hum flutuates slightly (sinusoidally?) with the platter rotation & may be slightly worse in the middle of an L.P. side (so always in the slow, quiet movement of Mozart's concerti!) & it wasn't there with the 6002.Any advice gratefully received: my feeling is that the BeoGram 4000 can't have achieved iconic status on looks alone (sorry, that is a contradiction, but I'm sure you understand). Postings on this forum suggest that this machine is complex, difficult to adjust & easy to damage, but also capable of very good results & I should like to experience that myself.  Adam K.

...and now, to add to the above, 'seagull' or 'mewing cat' noises from the turntable as it rotates: not immediately, but building up after about 15 minutes. Slipping drive belt? Main bearing? As it occurs once per rotation of the disc, I assume that it's not the motor?Any recommendations, or a full, nuts & bolts renovation?Adam K.

Adam,

 

The Beogram 4000’s iconic status is completely well deserved.

 

The 4000 complex, difficult to adjust, and easy to damage? All COMPLETELY true. Also FRAIL in transport, so extraordinary care must be taken when shipping a Beogram 4000.

 

I own a Beogram 1602, 4000, 4002, 4004, 8000, and 8002 and I can tell you without the slightest hesitation that I greatly prefer the 4000 over all the others and the sound quality is absolutely amazing.

 

Now from what you have said, it is clear that your 4000 needs a good deal more “attention.” Your 4000 should always recognize a 12” record, the arm should drop straight and slowly, never jerky, no hum on any kind, and certainly a seagull sound!

 

My Beogram 4000 arrived in pieces with broken parts and little hope for restoration. With patient determination I was able to get everything back to within operating range and the BG 4000 came back to life.

 

I was defeated by an incorrect fuse and sent my 4000 back to Dillon.

 

Depending on where you are located, I feel this would be your best choice, send your 4000 to Dillon. However you might want to communicate with him prior to contemplating shipping your turntable internationally.

 

If you are really good with your hands, there is a lot you can do with this turntable. However you simply MUST have the shop manual available through BeoWorld. (Don’t attempt anything without it!)

 

Best wishes.

 

Please feel free to ask me any questions you like, however I am NOT the expert here, just an enthusiast. Perhaps Dillon or Peter can offer you some more tangible and useful advice.

 

Jeff