It was way back in May of 2016 that I picked up this kitschy little Delmonico (made by JVC) AM/FM/Phonograph set from a CL listing. I wasn't even looking for anything of the kind, but the ad apparently contained my search term. For $30, I went for it.
The original record changer was a Japanese Voice of Music knock-off, and it was toast. Parts are nearly impossible to find, and it was a crap shoot that they'd be the right ones. The whole thing sat in the garage shop -- until just this week.
I decided to find a vintage VOM changer that would pop in to replace the original. What appears to be a NOS -- or barely used -- VOM model 1287 from 1971 showed up on ebay for BIN, and I nabbed it. Trying to find a more age-appropriate and salvageable changer with stereo capability was an exercise in futility. Installation was a cinch, requiring one hole to be drilled (for a locking pin) and one opening to be blocked (where a spring needed to rest).
Having sat for over 45 years, none of the automated changer components work. The turntable revolves though, and records sound remarkably good, considering the capacitors and tubes are all original. It seems that even back then, the Japanese were already ahead of the U.S.A. with the quality of their electronic components. Shout out to Allan Sherman!
I've contacted Gary from the VOM site and will be getting the service manual for the changer. He said it's likely just gummed up and needs to have its problem areas cleaned and re-lubed. For now, it's 100% manual but I'm having fun with it for a while before I tear into it.
The pictures below include the vintage TV lamp that inspired me to get this thing working and into its designated corner of the living room. Due to the lighting and/or flash, it appears the cabinet has an entirely ebony finish, but under the lid and inside the speaker flaps on each side, it's a rich red classic Victor mahogany, which can be seen in one of the shots with the lid up. The lid is not warped. The camera lens distorts it.
Now the hunt to add to my exotica music collection begins! Preferably stereo recordings!
The original record changer was a Japanese Voice of Music knock-off, and it was toast. Parts are nearly impossible to find, and it was a crap shoot that they'd be the right ones. The whole thing sat in the garage shop -- until just this week.
I decided to find a vintage VOM changer that would pop in to replace the original. What appears to be a NOS -- or barely used -- VOM model 1287 from 1971 showed up on ebay for BIN, and I nabbed it. Trying to find a more age-appropriate and salvageable changer with stereo capability was an exercise in futility. Installation was a cinch, requiring one hole to be drilled (for a locking pin) and one opening to be blocked (where a spring needed to rest).
Having sat for over 45 years, none of the automated changer components work. The turntable revolves though, and records sound remarkably good, considering the capacitors and tubes are all original. It seems that even back then, the Japanese were already ahead of the U.S.A. with the quality of their electronic components. Shout out to Allan Sherman!
I've contacted Gary from the VOM site and will be getting the service manual for the changer. He said it's likely just gummed up and needs to have its problem areas cleaned and re-lubed. For now, it's 100% manual but I'm having fun with it for a while before I tear into it.
The pictures below include the vintage TV lamp that inspired me to get this thing working and into its designated corner of the living room. Due to the lighting and/or flash, it appears the cabinet has an entirely ebony finish, but under the lid and inside the speaker flaps on each side, it's a rich red classic Victor mahogany, which can be seen in one of the shots with the lid up. The lid is not warped. The camera lens distorts it.
Now the hunt to add to my exotica music collection begins! Preferably stereo recordings!
