Early '70's Maestro record changer

[radiotvnut]

Someone recently gave me an Olympic (looks like a rebadged Electrophonic) radio/8-track stereo receiver and the matching record changer that's housed in a plastic base. The stereo is one of those with separate L and R slider volume controls, as well as a sliding tone control.

This changer looks basically the same as what Magnavox used in some of their models, during the early '70's. From everything I'm hearing and reading, these changers were a piece of junk (it looks like a piece of junk) and it cost Magnavox dearly in warranty repairs and changer replacements.

Up until I got this stereo, I'd only seen this changer in Magnavox products; but, it was obviously used by other firms.

This one only plays 12" 33 1/3 rpm records and 45 rpm 7" records with a large center hole. Speed selection and size are automatic. You're out of luck if you wish to play a 12" 45 rpm record or a 45 rpm record with a small center hole.

Looking at the underside of the changer, it's branded "Maestro" with an Alliance motor that's dated October, 1971.

At first, the changer didn't want to go to the 45 rpm setting; but, today, it seemed to work OK in that regard. The cartridge looks to be a Varco TN4 and the suspension has fallen apart. I'll probably replace it with a modern "crosley cartridge", since they are cheaper and I won't need a flip needle for 78 rpm.