Panasonic SG-J500 Portable Stereo Cassette-Record Player

Panasonic SG-J500 Portable Stereo Cassette-Record Player

[minshd]

I have a SGJ500 too but the the speakers have been inconsistent lately- some time there random hi/lo volume and even random sound glitch.... probably the electrical, should I scrap it?

[Lombard]

I've got the J550 version of that player. It belonged to my grandparents. The thing is in near new condition, even has the 45 adapter in the cord storage on the back. I don't think I'll ever part with it simply because it's kinda rare.
Occasionally, I listen to the thing just to make sure it still operates.

[SteveN-bvpy]

Thanks for this video.! I just found a fully functioning one at a thrift store. I was wondering if you remembered what belt you purchased for the cassette? I don't see this unit listed at Turntable Needles. Even though this one is working I'd like to eventually replace since I'm putting in an order for another belt for another project. To improve the sound I'm planning on using a portable JBL Bluetooth speaker unit hooked up via the headphone jack. I also see LPgear has an upgraded stylus I might also add.

[liquidzero]

Hi! Thanks for the video. I have one of these stereos. Cassette player kinda works. Fast fed / rewind work great. In play mode the tape sprockets is weak. It spins and stops. Could it be the belt is too weak/stretched? Do you recall what belt your ordered? Thanks!

[C.I...]

How did you get the belt on? Did you have to take the metal bracket in front of the pulley off? I don't want to remove anything unnecessarily. If you have footage of the process that would be really helpful.

[IDPhotoMan]

Do you have the dimensions (or a current part number) for the replacement Belt (SMQ5438)? I have one of these but the belt is long turned to pieces. Thanks for your time!

[AB-dqci]

I wish someone like you lived in my area! I can't find anyone that can fix my Panasonic J500 stereo. The tape deck is playing cassettes slow. Is that a belt fix? I have called so many audio repair shops in my area and no one fixes cassette tape decks... Good video!

[nav]

Thanks for this video. I am repairing my own SG-J500 today. The turntable release is not working - it is jammed after I push the button.

[taketimeoutshare]

Cheap rubber band is good just to TEST that it is the belt that powers the playing of tapes. Sometimes on different cassette machines the belt only powers the FF and Rewind which is really annoying as we really want the thing to play cassettes. Luckily with this one just needs to replace the belt to get it working like new.
A rubber band is not well made enough to rotate the flywheel CONSISTENTLY at the same speed. A rubber band has different thicknesses along its length which means it speeds up and slows down the flywheel making playback sound wobbly, and not good enough for listening to. You MUST order the correct belt made for this machine. Get it from EBay (obviously) if they are still around. 
These are very good machines. 
Note how chunky the speaker driver magnets are. This has quality speakers and sounds MUCH better than a Crosley or other modern retro record players. Buy one today!
You know it makes sense.

[richardlynch]

A guy had one at the swap meet, for $35, I wish I would have bought it