phonograph problem

[thunderw21]

I have a 1950s portable phonograph (about the size of a small suitcase) that has variable speeds: 33, 45 and 78. About a year ago the 33 speed slowed way down while the 45 and 78 remained normal. Since 33 rpm is what I mainly use, I can't listen to anything without it being obscenely low and slow.
Does anyone know of a reason for this slowing down and what could be done to fix it?

 

[scotrace]

There has to be an adjusting screw of some kind somewhere. Something's got off kilter (obviously). Crack that bad boy open and have a look.

 

[carter]

It sounds like a drive problem. If it's belt driven, the belt may not be engaging on the 33 rpm pulley or it may be stretched if it's an original belt. If it's electronic, that's a motor problem. My guess is that it's belt driven.

Read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belt-drive_turntable

A good repair shop should be able to get this fixed pretty quickly.

 

[LizzieMaine]

It might also be a rim-drive turntable -- these were commonly used on suitcase portables from the thirties to the seventies. The most common problem is that the rubber tire that runs between the motor shaft and the turntable will harden and get slick: if this appears to be the problem, try some rubber-revitalizer (available from electronics-repair shops).

 

[scotrace]

I gotta remember to stick to commenting on acoustic machines....

 

[thunderw21]

Thanks folks, all of these ideas sound plausible. I'll check it out next time I have a chance and report back here.

Cheers,
Will

 

[FStephenMasek]

The rubber tire being old and hard is a likely problem. Several companies will replace the band of ruber on the edge (the "tire"), or sell you a new part. By the way, the name of the part is "phono idler."

Here are some links:


Needles, Cartridges, Idlers, Belts, Reflocking, Other Turntable parts & services

idler rebuilding, most $35 each http://www.terrysrubberrollers.com/

belts, needles, cartridges, turntables http://www.lpgear.com/

crystal units, cutters, rebuilds idlers, other parts, photos http://www.west-techservices.com/index.htm

lots of belts and idlers, re-builds idlers: http://www.kenselectronics.com/index.html

phonoed@aol.com - old stock cartridges, idler wheel rebuilding

tens of thousands of needles and cartridges - http://www.ewsaunders.com/

lots of needles http://www.garage-a-records.com/?cat=11

needles, cartridges, turntable repair http://www.everythingradio.com/

excellent photos http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Replacement-Stylus

idler wheels, belts, cartridges, Etc. - http://www.turntablebasics.com/index.html

belts, idlers (old stock) cartridges - http://www.turntableneedles.com/

original manufacturer parts for many turntables - http://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/pn.htm

 

[thunderw21]

^ Thanks for those link, Stephen, I think they'll come in handy.




I cracked it open today. Didn't solve much. The "transmission" is in a metal bubble seen in the center of the photo below, so I couldn't see much of that. Who knew these buggers could be so complicated? [huh]

If anyone's wondering, here's what it looks like on the outside.

 

[Cousin Hepcat]

Thats an AWESOME machine thunderw21, I have one identical and have worked on another for a friend, as I've said before Webcor's are my favorites because they're most built like steel tanks, made in Chicago; and they weigh a TON...

Lizziemaine and FStephenMasek gave all the info you could possibly need.

I will add, that if you cannot get it working and want a quote, Gib at West-Tech (FStephenMasek supplied the link) will take the whole unit and fix it for you, but you can probably try yourself first.

1. On these, the turntable is held in by a bent horseshoe-shaped wire clip at the base of the center spindle: remove it by pushing off with needlenose pliars (be sure and catch the pin when it shoots off) then lift off turntable.

2. This is one of the earlier 3-speed changers which had not only the main large idler, but three smaller "turret" idlers, for each speed; they're obviously held in by pins you can pull with pliars.

3. For all 4 idlers (1 large and 3 small), clean with an alcohol swab the posts they ride on and the idler center holes. Clean/degrease rubber surfaces similarly, alcohol on paper towels/cloths works ok. Like LizzieMaine said, you can use rubber revitalizer, but BE SURE NOT TO USE THE KIND that claims to "leave a sticky surface deposit" on the rubber to "revitalize" it: That makes problems worse! Caused me major intermittant problems on a 78 rpm jukebox till I figured out it was the product's fault: It solidifes & turns to powder. After cleaning idlers, add a SLIGHT amount of lithium/white grease (Lowes/Home Depot) in each center hole, but DONT get grease on rubber surfaces.

4. reassemble and if it doesn' work, you need new idlers; see FStephenMasek's excellent list.

Good luck, thats a real nice die-hard machine, from the early 50s but with a definite 40s "look and feel", don't forget the ArmorAll for the case,

- CH

 

[Fletch]

Good grief. I used to own a Webcor just like that. I got it at a garage sale in Boone.

 

[thunderw21]

Thats an AWESOME machine thunderw21, I have one identical and have worked on another for a friend, as I've said before Webcor's are my favorites because they're most built like steel tanks, made in Chicago; and they weigh a TON...

...

- CH

Thanks for the info, Hepcat. That doesn't sound too difficult, I might have to give it a try. These things are so intimidating when you open them up!

Good grief. I used to own a Webcor just like that. I got it at a garage sale in Boone.

Got mine at a garage sale in Boone, too!

 

[FStephenMasek]

Here is a player/cutter/radio/PA unit I refurbished (I have four otehr radios with record players which are not yet finished):

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=30815