How the Collaro/Magnavox record changer works

[jasonl]

The Rube Goldberg record changer demystified.

A new and better video of my Magnavox in action after Rick's helpful adjustments coming soon.

http://mypage.iu.edu/~lrobins/collaro.htm

 

[frigilux]

OK, so the Magnavox I grew up with had the Collaro-style changer. The tone arm and record stabilizer arm look almost identical to the ones in the above pic. Ditto with the speed and reject controls. It gets my vote for the coolest record changer, ever!

 

[jasonl]

Collaro made those things up until the early 90s as far as I know. Magnavox used them up through the 70s until Philips bought them out. I saw a late model Magnavox stereo from the late 70s with I think a BSR changer with a magnetic cartridge :-( .

VM's are pretty cool too because they can sense record size by using that feeler and the button on the bottom of the table. I wouldn't mind having the late 60s version with the button in the turntable. But you can't beat the old Maggies for sound quality and the fun factor of those record changers. And you can't have too many Elvis records to play on it either

 

[harvestgold]

Magnovox record changers

I have several Magnovox old tube HI-FI consoles most of the record changers do not work propertly does do you guys know of anybody that can rebuild these changers ??

 

[frontaloadotmy]

harvestgold

If the motors work and no parts have been ripped off or
broken, you can probably service them yourself and bring them
back to near perfect function. Mostly it's just cleaning off
old lube and reapplying. I haven't spent enough time in Palm
Springs to know of any "old style" Television HiFi shops,
but if there are any they could service them for you, pricey
though. There are sites that specialize in restoration, again
very pricey especially when shipping is part of the deal.

 

[rickr]

Harvestgold,what problems are you having with the Collaros?

 

[tolivac]

the more we talk about the Collaro TT's the more I would like one-and they were VERY WELL engineered.I can sort of remember the grease in my Mom's Magnavox-was White in color-Figure it must of been Lubriplate--In her unit the Collaro-Magnavox TT was right over the heat producing amps in the console-the heat baked the grease dry.She had the dealer relube the unit.A few times I used the Reddish-purple "Wheel bearing " grease and that worked.I would figure the Sams or some other service info would have the recommended type.

 

[harvestgold]

Collaro record changers

Most of the changers i have won`t start up it seems the reject start switch won`t engage for some reason

 

[rickr]

Are your Collaros the early models? Gold,or silver baseplate,black tone arm/overarm,9 inch turntable? Model # under the turntable mat,something like K-600 or G-600? If so, those were lubricated with an early type of lubricant that would get gummy as it aged. Those changers need to be torn down,cleaned and relubed. The later models usually just need the drive wheels and pulley cleaned with alcohol,and adjusted.
If you cannot do the repairs yourself,I can overhaul them for you. I do have a some stock of Collaro parts also. You would have to remove the changers from the cabinets,to do the repairs,other than drivewheel service. Do you know how the changers are removed from the cabinet?