2. analog
  3. 1329239622

Need Help with Vintage console player - New to LPs

Hey guys,

I've started into vinyl in a rather unusual way. I just bought a Fisher Royal Electra console stereo for $60 from an elderly couple down the street. It is in working condition and I love it! I'm currently working to restore the finish and replace aging cabinet hardware.

I've never owned a record player (I'm a younger audiophile) and don't have the slightest idea how to verify that it's working correctly. It plays my records, and sounds decent, but I'm worried the counterweight, cartridge, anti-skate mechanism, and other parts might not be properly set up. This is a Royal Electra by BSR table that is integrated into the console. It is a multi-disc player and have an auto-something or other mechanism to change records. I don't really like this as it places the LPs on top of each other and that scares me (scratches and all).

The unit has a bunch of nobs, dials, and adjustment screws surrounded by numbers. I'm just at a loss when it comes to this sort of thing.

Any advice you all could give as to how to check my cartridge or verify the other settings would be great. As I said: it SOUNDS like it's OK, but I don't want to risk damaging some of my new LPs by using it improperly.

Thank you
Evan
128x128ekwisnek

Showing 2 responses by ekwisnek

ekwisnek's avatar
ekwisnek OP
27 posts
 
Rich,

My table actually looks to be identical to the one in your link. The console is different, but the table appears to have all of the same features. I will get in touch with Needle Doctor today and see what we can come up with. I was holding out hope that I could contact someone locally and have them make a house call to verify proper operation and calibration of the table...I'm of the school that just because something seems to be operating correctly, doesn't mean you're not causing irreparable damage due to mis-calibration.

I'm also going to contact Paul G. I've talked with him before and owned some of his products; I'd forgotten that he worked with Fisher gear.

Thanks, everyone.
ekwisnek's avatar
ekwisnek OP
27 posts
 
Mapman,

I'm not certain if it plays 78s. I will check when I get home from work. To be honest, I bought this on a whim and it was so cheap, I couldn't resist. The receiver works flawlessly, and the FM tuner is stunningly good for a unit this old.

As I said, it's mainly a restoration project that I might keep or sell based on how well the restoration goes. Thanks to everyone for the information and suggestions; it sounds like I might just need a new cartridge to start.

Evan
More to discover