Zenith Console Stereo Turntable

[chuffle]

A few months ago, there was a thread (I can't access the archives, because I have allowed my upgraded membership to lapse...I know, I know) about console stereos, and there was some discussion about who developed and built the various Zenith turntables, such as the one on my behemoth console in my downstairs reception room. I just ran across a small article, from the December, 1962 issue of "Popular Science" magazine, which briefly discusses the particular turntable's development. The link is below. Scroll through to page 150 (if the proper page does not immediately open) in order to view the article.

Just thought that I would pass the article on.

Joe

Popular Science

Popular Science gives our readers the information and tools to improve their technology and their world. The core belief that Popular Science and our readers share: The future is going to be better, and science and technology are the driving forces that will help make it better.

books.google.com

 

[112561]

If this is any help

The name Monarch popped up in your old thread, as the maker of the changer in your set.  I didn't include the link because I didn't think it would do you any good.

 

[tolivac]

Very nice TT-like some of the features-very good for 1962.Belt drive platter,headshell on the arm that can be turned over(but not detachable?)and stylus cleaning brush.The HK solid state preamp though-in the sidebar next to the TT article-YECH!!!early SS components SUCKED!Tubes were MUCH better-and still can be today.there were so many TT builders in those days-and the number of TT makers today is--growing.The LP to some is making a comeback.A WELL RECORDED and PRESSED LP can be better than a CD-esp a poorly made CD.Monarch-seems like they made a nice auto TT.

 

[lordkenmore]

Yes, the LP is making a comeback. It's ironic that it even appears likely to outlast the medium that supposedly replaced it.

This Zenith changer is interesting, but I'm not sure how wild I am about some of the features. I wonder how well the nylon brush would clean the stylus. And that rotating headshell for the cartridge might, in theory, reduce arm rigidity and performance. Although that probably wasn't a big issue back in the 1960s.

One sidebar product I liked seeing: the tonearm imported by Shure. I'm guessing that might have been an SME. I know Shure was the SME importer once. SME is a well respected arm maker. Also, these days, pretty expensive!

 

[tolivac]

SME arms were used A LOT by radio stations at one time.You would see them mounted on Panasonic SP10,Rek-O-Cuts,and QRK TT's.Have mounted a few of them.Great arms and they can withstand ham handed DJ's.There doesn't seem to be a problem with rigidness in arms with removable headshells.these were great for radio station use-You could put another headshell and cartridge in a TT in a studio that is on air with min interruption-then take the other one to the engineer shop to work on it.Oh yes on that Zenith TT that has the stylus brush--hope the TT has good muting during the change cycle!I do hope TT's and REAL DJ's can come back to radio stations over touch screen computer program storage and play systems.When those crash---its a NIGHTMARE for all radio station folks.For the TT's just keep playing records!Just keep the pegboard holding the "top Forty" by the DJ's side.Glad SME is still with us-and likely to be in the future.would have to look in radio station supply catalogs to see if SME arms are still available to radio stations.There are some stations out there still using TT's ,cart machines ,and Reel decks.The Zenith TT's features are unique-but again a real audiophile wouldn't go crazy for them-just a TT that is above most.

 

[retro-man]

I remember friends of my parents had i think this particular stereo console. It sounded great. The only thing i remember about it was when their kids played 45's with the automatic spindle that pops up, was that the records on the spindle waiting to be played turned also. They always used the same record on the top of the pile because it would wear the label off from the upper guide arm resting on it while it spun. Nice idea but not very practical.
Jon

 

[kenwashesmonday]

retro-man wrote:
"They always used the same record on the top of the pile because it would wear the label off from the upper guide arm resting on it while it spun. Nice idea but not very practical."

No need to use the balance arm when playing 45s on this changer. The size sensor will still shut it off after the last record is played.

Ken D.

 

[wascomat_kid]

Pop-up 45 RPM adaptor

I HATE those! I saw that particular Zenith record changer & one of the 1/2s of the Pop-Up adaptor broke off. The one where U put the adaptor over the regular spindle is FAR better!

 

[paulg]

Monarch?

I made the Monarch reference. There was some discussion as to whether my diagnosis was correct. I am quite sure I am, but haven't had the chance to go through my books to find the reference to manufacturer since then. I actually want to recheck my facts.
It certainly wasn't VM. I do know Zenith did make some of its changers too. However I cannot get the Monarch reference out of my head as I know I've been down that lane before some years ago. If someone has a model number of the stereo using that changer pass it along, it may help.
Thanks for the article. It is interesting to see how that changer was developed. But who actually BUILT IT ? Hmmm. The jury is still out...

 

[kenwashesmonday]

There's a demo of a similar changer here:

 

[whirlcool]

I always liked those Zenith changers with the 2G tonearm. Zenith heavily advertised those at the time with print ads, television ads and radio ads. We had a Zenith stereo contemporary design(the ones with the directional flaps over the speakers)and it had the 2G tonearm in it. But I don't think it had the 45 pop up spindle in it. I think it had the kind that you put over the smaller metal spindle. My parents bought it in the fall of 1966.

 

[kenwashesmonday]

The changer without the fold-up 45 spindle is a plain old VM idler-drive changer is disguise.  The belt-drive changer with the fold-up spindle was only used in the top of the line Zenith sets.

 

Ken D.

 

[112561]

And here's a neat video too

I have four of the VM Micro-Touch changers, and one BSR with the Micro-Touch arm in an Allegro from 1974. Although the heavy one with the pop up adapter LOOKS like a VM, it was pretty well determined it is a different manufacturer. Someone in an audio club who's refurbished one could clue us in I know. And, the first Micro-Touch arm didn't flip upside down, the head shell apparently rotated into a position where you could change the stylus or the pickup. Here's this owner's narrative:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
 

 

[bwoods]

Here is a listing for a small Zenith console with the VM made 2g tone-arm changer. I think the seller may be a bit overly optimistic in his pricing.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/atq/2637740358.html

 

[bwoods]

most beautiful console ever

If you want to see, what I consider the most beautiful console stereo ever made, watch the Doris Day movie, "The Glass Bottom Boat". Beside being a side-splitting feel good comedy, you will see a guest appearance of a 1964 Zenith console stereo with the built-in spindled Pre-VM Zenith changer.

In the scene where Rod Taylor is looking at Doris and daydreaming about her being Mata Hari, you will see the stereo immediately behind her. She puts a record on it and you can see the Zenith made changer and the circular overarm.

Have you ever passed up buying something that you could kick yourself for later?
Probably not, because none of you are as stupid as I am.

I found this exact stereo at a Salvation Army store in Dayton, Ohio. I did not buy it because because at the time, I thought would be too big and too expensive (I think they wanted $75). I will never forgive myself for being such an idiotic jerk and allowing it to slip through my fingers.

 

[bwoods]

Doris Day and the Zenith Console

The next three postings will show you views of the Zenith Console, I found on the Doris Day site.. However, none of the pictures are very good and do the steero justice. You need to see the movie.

 

[bwoods]

and #2

 

[bwoods]

and #3

 

[112561]

I don't know how I missed that! And I have the DVD somew

I kept looking for stereos on that thing too! One other thing that makes me sick as well is that a house about a half a mile from here had a huge discarded Zenith in its driveway, tarped over, but I recognized the legs. Saw it sitting in the pouring rain once, and I still shudder to think where it went.

Watch "Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed?" and see Liz Montgomery dancing for Dean Martin, to his Magnavox console. Small, but noticeable. Magnavox appeared frequently in Dean Martin pics.