All about Record Changers - Good Read

[reubensm]

Hi, here's an interesting article written by the legendary Garrard Engineer, E.W. Mortimer in one of Plessey Group's internal magazines. The article gives the reader, an insight into the world of record changers (especially those manufactured by Garrard). The 25 Function checks listed at the end is of particular importance. Take a look:

Garrardmatters.com • View topic - E.W.Mortimer: Record Changer Production Techniques

 

[Record Player]

A very good and informative read Reuben. And yes the last 25 check points are indeed of significant importance.

TFS...

 

[aks07]

Fantastic post. I wonder how you dig all these!
Wish this article was accessible 30 years ago. Maybe my attempts on repairing Gerard changer would have been more successful those days. It seems almost impossible to put back a damaged changer to its factory status.

 

[kuruvilajacob]

Fantastic post. I wonder how you dig all these!
Wish this article was accessible 30 years ago. Maybe my attempts on repairing Gerard changer would have been more successful those days. It seems almost impossible to put back a damaged changer to its factory status.

The guy who repairs my Turntables is an expert at restoring changers. He will dismantle a changer and put it back without even making note of parts he has dismantled ! I think very few guys in this generation will be able to do it and never will he refer any manuals even if it is available. He must have restored/ repaired more than 100 changers during the last 7 or 8 years!

 

[reubensm]

The guy who repairs my Turntables is an expert at restoring changers. He will dismantle a changer and put it back without even making note of parts he has dismantled ! I think very few guys in this generation will be able to do it and never will he refer any manuals even if it is available. He must have restored/ repaired more than 100 changers during the last 7 or 8 years!

That's very true, changers require experienced hands, I have found this out the hard way. Way back in the late 1980s (was in standard 10 back then), one of my brother's friends brought an old Garrard RC80 to our home, it was not in working condition and was tampered with. What ever we tried, we could not fix the changer as some important parts were probably missing. In those days, there was no internet for us to google information. We were able to change its crystal pickup to an EEI cart and get it to fit back in his radiogram and play in manual mode.

With any Garrard turntable or changer, the key to successful restoration is to get one which has not been tampered with or damaged (lever bend, etc). They usually just require cleaning, greasing and oiling, and they'll be back to their former glory. The RC80, I still remember, had a unique drive system. The motor spindle pulley would engage the idler directly for 78rpm while it would engage couple of belt driven pulleys which engaged the idler for 45rpm and 33rpm respectively. It was a challenge to find belt replacements but we somehow managed to.

garrard rc80 idler - Google Search

 

[reubensm]

Fantastic post. I wonder how you dig all these!
Wish this article was accessible 30 years ago. Maybe my attempts on repairing Gerard changer would have been more successful those days. It seems almost impossible to put back a damaged changer to its factory status.

Its out of interest. I have a fancy for reading old articles (inherited this habbit from my father). I would say, it is possible to restore anything mechanical if blue prints are available and there is a source for spare parts (or you have someone who is skilled enough to manufacture these parts). There is also no substitute for experience when it comes to things like vintage turntables.

 

[sbg]

That's very true, changers require experienced hands, I have found this out the hard way. Way back in the late 1980s (was in standard 10 back then), one of my brother's friends brought an old Garrard RC80 to our home, it was not in working condition and was tampered with. What ever we tried, we could not fix the changer as some important parts were probably missing. In those days, there was no internet for us to google information. We were able to change its crystal pickup to an EEI cart and get it to fit back in his radiogram and play in manual mode.

With any Garrard turntable or changer, the key to successful restoration is to get one which has not been tampered with or damaged (lever bend, etc). They usually just require cleaning, greasing and oiling, and they'll be back to their former glory. The RC80, I still remember, had a unique drive system. The motor spindle pulley would engage the idler directly for 78rpm while it would engage couple of belt driven pulleys which engaged the idler for 45rpm and 33rpm respectively. It was a challenge to find belt replacements but we somehow managed to.

garrard rc80 idler - Google Search

hmm.
makes me think, If I have to pat myself!!!hyeah:
'cause , I did repair an 5 Disk Changer-3 speed some time/years back . Made it working ,still use and maintain it -BUT, it desperately needs a cartridge change. Never had a manual to check or refer. But I guess this is the only piece I have repaired in my life.
I guess, Analytical mind, Stable Hands and Patience is what is most required when working on these units.the coolest part is that, not much of electronic on this part of the town! So, trouble shooting is like "line of sight" business!