07-27-2024, 09:33 PM
Hi H268KLK, and welcome to the Phorum. Lots of phriendly knowledgeable pholks here. (See a pattern here?)
Is this a long cabinet stereo from the late 1950s or 1960s? Tube or transistor? +1 on the comments from other Pholks. Definitely post pics.
During the late 1930s and 1940s, to the early 1950s, some manufacturers including Philco and RCA manufactured their own turntables, especially units with only a speed of 78 RPM. However, by the late 1950s to 1960s, the US built Voice of Music (VoM) turntable became the standard for many "home entertainment systems", but Garrard and BSR from Britain became popular, especially Garrard in the 1970s. Magnavox used another European brand, Collaro.
The VoM turntable was a decent, medium fidelity turntable that was usually supplied with a ceramic cartridge. However, I do not remember seeing any turntable, especially those from the mid 1950s to the 1970s that had 3 levers. I can only assume that the 3 levers are for Speed, Manual / Auto and Off, and the third one possibly being for size selection. Most VoM, Garrard and BSR changers could sense the record size.
This system is likely 50-70 years old. Grease does harden and turn into glue. This or rust may be the reason the frozen controls.
One thing that we have now that we didn't have when I was a kid is cameras in our cell phones. If you are going to try to service the changer yourself, take pictures and label each part with the sequence number of disassembly. Parts, other than the motor and rubber "capstan" wheel can be cleaned with kerosene, then alcohol. Try to determine what was used to lubricate, then use that product sparingly. Levers (where they rub or pivot), and the eccentric grooves of the tone arm positioning gear can be lubed with a good lithium grease. Pivot shafts for the ton arm, capstan, etc. can be lubed with a sparingly applied drop of 3 in 1 Oil or Horologic (clock) oil. It is highly important to keep oil or grease away from the capstan wheel. This is the rubber wheel that interfaces the motor to the turntable rim.
One can try to recondition the capstan wheel by placing in a drill and holding against a sanding block loaded with coarse paper. However, the fix will likely be temporary. There are folks out in the internet world who "rebuild" capstan wheels.
Hope this helps.
Is this a long cabinet stereo from the late 1950s or 1960s? Tube or transistor? +1 on the comments from other Pholks. Definitely post pics.
During the late 1930s and 1940s, to the early 1950s, some manufacturers including Philco and RCA manufactured their own turntables, especially units with only a speed of 78 RPM. However, by the late 1950s to 1960s, the US built Voice of Music (VoM) turntable became the standard for many "home entertainment systems", but Garrard and BSR from Britain became popular, especially Garrard in the 1970s. Magnavox used another European brand, Collaro.
The VoM turntable was a decent, medium fidelity turntable that was usually supplied with a ceramic cartridge. However, I do not remember seeing any turntable, especially those from the mid 1950s to the 1970s that had 3 levers. I can only assume that the 3 levers are for Speed, Manual / Auto and Off, and the third one possibly being for size selection. Most VoM, Garrard and BSR changers could sense the record size.
This system is likely 50-70 years old. Grease does harden and turn into glue. This or rust may be the reason the frozen controls.
One thing that we have now that we didn't have when I was a kid is cameras in our cell phones. If you are going to try to service the changer yourself, take pictures and label each part with the sequence number of disassembly. Parts, other than the motor and rubber "capstan" wheel can be cleaned with kerosene, then alcohol. Try to determine what was used to lubricate, then use that product sparingly. Levers (where they rub or pivot), and the eccentric grooves of the tone arm positioning gear can be lubed with a good lithium grease. Pivot shafts for the ton arm, capstan, etc. can be lubed with a sparingly applied drop of 3 in 1 Oil or Horologic (clock) oil. It is highly important to keep oil or grease away from the capstan wheel. This is the rubber wheel that interfaces the motor to the turntable rim.
One can try to recondition the capstan wheel by placing in a drill and holding against a sanding block loaded with coarse paper. However, the fix will likely be temporary. There are folks out in the internet world who "rebuild" capstan wheels.
Hope this helps.
"Do Justly, love Mercy and walk humbly with your God"- Micah 6:8
"Let us begin to do good"- St. Francis
Best Regards,
MrFixr55
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