Early 1960's Fidelity Record Player Needs Servicing

[Billy24]

Does anyone know where I can take an early 1960's mono Fidelity record player for full servicing?. The valves I know need replacing and a general service wouldn't be amiss while it's in. Rotherham would be preferential but Sheffield would be fine. There used to be a good Hi-Fi sales/repair shop on London Road but I don't know if they are still there, they might not do servicing to old players like this one anyway but that's the only shop I can think of. I would of course like to find a repairer that will do a good proper job on it and not rip me off.

 

If anyone can suggest the best place I would be very grateful, I don't expect it doing for cheap and won't mind paying an honest price.

 

Many thanks if you can help.

[carosio]

I used to service equipment similar to this. Is it still in working order?

[Billy24]

I used to service equipment similar to this. Is it still in working order?

 

Yes it is in working order, it's only used occasionally but when I got it out to play the other day it took just under an hour for the turntable to start to spin. It was always a bit slow at warming up but only usually a minute or so so I think the valves all need changing. Apart from that I think everything is ok but while the valves are being replaced I would like it all checking out. I highly value the machine and just want it in perfect working order, not to sell or anything I would never sell it I just like owning it.

Were you a service engineer for this type of thing?, I attach a photo of the machine below for you to look at, not sure of the model without fetching it out of the loft where it's all packaged up and kept but I can if it's any further help.

Would be interested in what you have to say.

 

http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff336/net44344/Recordplayer1.jpg

[carosio]

I've repaired many similar to this in the past. The turntable problem is unlikely to be caused by any valves-are you certain that it is a valved model and not transistorised? If it's as early as you say then it's likely to be a valved model. When you say "warming up" -are you referring to the turntable operation or the audio side?

[Truthinus]

I've repaired many similar to this in the past. The turntable problem is unlikely to be caused by any valves-are you certain that it is a valved model and not transistorised? If it's as early as you say then it's likely to be a valved model. When you say "warming up" -are you referring to the turntable operation or the audio side?

If it is a 60s model it will be valve and (if my memory serves me well) likely using a UL82 or EL82 (plus rectifier valve). It will likely hum a bit and would need new smoothing capacitor, which can be got from the Internet. I will also very likely need a new stylus but if the (friction) turntable drive has gone, I don't know how to repair that because as far as I know, there aren't any replacements available but as you said, the turntable is unlikely to be a problem.

[Truthinus]

yes it is in working order, it's only used occasionally but when i got it out to play the other day it took just under an hour for the turntable to start to spin.

.... Oops!

[carosio]

The turntable friction drive might benefit from just a clean, it's unlikly that the motor will be faulty, although if any rubber drive components have perished then that might pose difficulties. The mechanism will be either a BSR or Garrard.