Vintage Record Changers Servicing

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Equal to the phonograph amplifier is the record changer.
They are also called turntables.

Most vintage record changers' problems stem from old lubrication
drying out, hardening, and impeding or stopping the
cycling action of the record changer.
This includes the electric motor that turns the record platter.
A thorough cleaning and proper lubrication will
usually return full function to the record changer.

There are several components of the changer
that usually require replacement.
1. The idler wheel. This rubberized wheel connects
the changer's drive motor with the record platter
to turn it, and drive the cycling mechanism.

Over many years, the idler rubber dries out and
becomes hard and glazed. The friction properties
are lost, and the platter will either not turn at all,
or will slip, or run slowly.
Sometimes the rubber will feel pliable, but will
still have lost its grip integrity.

There are businesses that restore the idler wheels
for a reasonable price.

2. The motor's rubber mounts. These may be
hardened as in the idler wheel. The mounts act
as dampening to reduce vibration and thus
introduced noise into the platter.
They are inexpensive and readily available.

3. Control linkage rubber grommets. These
keep the linkages working smoothly.
They harden with age, and may fall apart.
Inexpensive to buy.

My offerings will be resource links for service videos, parts, websites,
and service files.
I have access to many Sams Photofacts, that I will gladly
send to members via email.

The main mass produced vintage record changers from the era of late 1940's to
1970's are RCA Victor, Voice of Music Corporation, Collaro/Magnavox,
and BSR (Birmingham Sound Reproducers).

In my opinion only, I do not recommend buying any phonographs
using Webcor record changers. I have not found them as readily
serviceable as other changers.

[electra225]

Thank you for sharing this important information.

[William]

Yes, thank you! And, actually, I'm working on a Webcor right now (not mine) and wish I wasn't.

Bill

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Yes, thank you! And, actually, I'm working on a Webcor right now (not mine) and wish I wasn't.
Bill

I hope it goes smoothly for you, Bill.
Most of the guys I know who worked on these
really had problems getting them to work nicely.
I just wasn't ready for a new learning curve, ha ha !

[William]

Thanks, me too! I am going to try and work on it some today and finish it up tomorrow, if all goes well. I need to order a needle yet, the tip for LP is missing.

[Motorola minion]

It's nice to see the different and once-popular brand of changer get an initial exposure here. Other forums, I have read them described as rugged like a V-M. I have never worked on a Webcor and it took me at least a dozen attempts to get V-M's working as designed over the years.

. As a low-man on the bench totem pole in the 80s, I was tasked with R+R of Magnavox Micromatics, BSR's and RCAs. As a result of that experience, those 3 don't necessarily challenge me like most of the others seem to do.

I have a Webcor 33/78 rpm changer in my '48 Magnavox Windsor that has a remote button on the radio panel to reject records. That console has not been restored yet.

[William]

It's good to know there are a couple of forum members that are RCA changer experts. I may need your advice when, and if, I ever get around to those units.

Bill

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Pictorial guide to servicing the Collaro Studio autochanger
and Collaro Conquest service sheets.

I have used both of these links when I had the rare
occasion to service a similar Collaro changer.
I hope they are helpful. They were very much so to me.

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/sho ... o+conquest

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/sho ... hp?t=86798

[William]

Wow, thank you for sharing this info, Mogul. I will definitely use this and I'm guessing others will too.

Bill