Estate Sale Finds 2/7/09

[58limited]

I hit an estate sale on the last day today and there were still some good things left. I bought this cloth corded Toastmaster Super Deluxe Automatic Toaster, the bake-lite handled ice bucket, a candy thermometer still in the box, a half empty box of small candles - the box art looks to be 50s or early 60s, and the silver w/ glass insert wine bottle coaster (but not the wine).

 

[58limited]

But the best thing I got is what the other stuff is sitting on: a Magnavox Astro-Sonic Stereo with Micromatic Turntable.

 

[58limited]

The stereo was playing during the sale and attracted a lot of attention, but there were no takers. It is Model # 1P3745, Ser# 3271562, Run #1, Pecan finish. It needs a new needle for the record player. The stylus has a lever that you flip to the right if you want to play 78s or to the left for LPs. I do not have the owners manual and it has been over a decade since I messed with a stylus - can anyone refresh my memory on how to remove the old needle?

There is an old computer punch card (haven't seen one of those since elementary school) taped to the back - not sure what it is for. I can see a little handwriting on it: the date - 12/23. No year.

I wish I had room to keep this, but I bought it as a house warming gift for my old college roommate and his wife.

Total $$ spent at the sale: $30.00!

 

[animasinsulinpu]

OMG

OMG, David. That is so awesome. To me it looks like it has never been used. Cool find.....Bill in Az....

 

[58limited]

The turntable has a couple of issues besides the needle: The ON switch is iffy. I have to jiggle it to get the turntable to start spinning. Also, I tried the auto function with an old record. When the stylus arm swings and taps the edge of the record before the record drops to the turntable, it goes too high and almost goes over the top of the record instead of tapping the edge. Anyone have advice for fixing/adjusting these problems?

 

[ronhic]

Punch card...

Is most probably the manufacturing and possibly distribution information....

 

[richm]

I bought the same stereo, different cabinet

Hi, I bought that in 1969 as a gift for my parents...just to give you an idea...40 years old and now my brother has kept it, still works fine! Congrats!

Rich M

 

[58limited]

OK, I got the cartridge out. The needle definitely needs to be replaced, not sure if the cartridge is OK or not. I found one site that lists the cartridge and I sent an e-mail to get pricing. The needles are about $15.00. I'll probably just start by replacing the needle. If it doesn't work then I'll look at the cartridge.

The cartridge is an Astatic model 195d using an N2-SD needle. Is this a pretty good cartridge, or are there better ones that will fit?

 

[veg-o-matic]

Those candles

I used to work with a lady whose husband's family once owned Betty Bolling. Somewhere out in CA, I believe.

veg

 

[58limited]

The new stylus arrived today and I listened to a few records. At first, all speeds played slow but I took the back off and also removed the turn table to reveal the spin shaft. After lubricating a few things the player now plays at the correct speed. Turns out the on/off switch is not faulty, the spin shaft was sticking and not engaging. The only problem now is the stylus arm still goes too high in auto mode. I'm afraid this will break the new needle as the needle actually hits the record edge. I did not see a height limit adjustment, anyone know where this would be located and how to adjust it?