this might not be the best place to ask but i'm going to try. I recently change the belt of my record player because it sounded slow. now its fixed but the 45 speed plays kind of slow and the 33 speed plays normal? any help on that? please i have a 2002 thomas pacconi record player..
@jg1988 It's very difficult to tell without seeing the turntable and I am not familiar with that brand. If you say it was a 'belt' you replaced as opposed to an idler 'wheel', then perhaps the belt is not sitting on the 'step' required for 45 operation. Just a guess having not seen the player...
@tubeie07 thanks for replying. and what do i have to do for the idler wheel then or the step required for the 45 operation ? you might see the thomas pacconi record players thru yahoo searches
@jg1988 Hi, I just looked up your brand of player and as it is actually a modern player 'looking as antique' player, I am not familiar with that type of turntable so I can't help you further. Sorry about that...
Thanks for the video, but my BSR seems to be jammed on the OFF / ON / AUTO switch, not letting me turn to any of them. What should I do to get the lever to adjust to other positions besides off?
what about fixing the motor?when i play me records, they sound just a little slow. my turntable is much like that, no belts and the motor can be taken apart
@RobertC19850209 Yes, the motor could be at fault here - as they are so common, I suggest getting one from another deck in better condition and just doing a one-for-one replacement. Unless you know what your doing, it's not worth taking the time to fix it as they are very common... Thanks for the comments.
Getting the platter off was no easy feat with mine and also the big cog is locked by a lip under the smaller cog even after I removed the retaining E-clip. I also came across a ball bearing inside, no idea if it should have been there or not. I wonder, though, if in fact it just needed lubrication on the underside of the spindle.
The video helped a lot...but I still have a small problem the stop, start, and auto switch will not budge, preventing the TT from spinning. I currently have a piece of cardboard underneath pressing the wheel against the turntable to make it spin, but it stays on all the time if its plugged in...any suggestion on how to get the start trigger unstuck?
@spikercolorz HI there... again it's usually the issue of gummed up grease from the 70's holding the works up - if your issue is purely with the levers that move the OFF/START/AUTO lever, I suggest you dismantle this section, remove all the old grease, relube and reassemble. If it's the levers that are further up the chain, that is connecting the idler when to engage with the turntable, again carefully do the same with this section. These turntables are very basic & mechanical. Hope this helps!
The turntable in my 1970 JVC Nivico stereo console won't adjust properly. That is if I adjust the springed screw to allow the tonearm to set down on the beginning of the record properly, at the end of the record it won't pick up and return to park unless I move the arm another inch over toward the spindle. What else is there that determines the arm travel and cycle trip points? I don't see any other adjustment screws for the arm. Thanks.
@Nivicoman Hi there! This seems to be my most often asked question, therefore I have answered it a few times in the comments. If you look below with my 2 comments that have the phrase in them such as "trip mechanism" and "pusher bar" you should get the answers. The adjustments at the back of the pick-up arm have nothing to do with 'when' the mechanism engages for auto return, they are only to do with the set-down position at the edge of the record. Let me know if you don't find the answers below
@tubeie07 Belated reply thanks for the suggestion. Now that you mention it that makes sense there would be a tab or lever or bar to trip the auto return, in my case it could be bent or worn or broken off. And I know what you mean by gummed up old grease. The reel to reel tape deck in my console responded quite nicely to cleaning out 40 year old hardened lubricant and replenishing with new.
There one of the best turntables money can buy I just bought one. Bsr and benjenmin make the best turntables money can buy. Benjenmins are german bsr are german. I like the great natural stereo sound these turntables have. There worth alot of money in good condition.
Bsr and benjemin turntables are some of the best vintage machines to buy they have a amazing natural stereo sound to them. Bsr are british turntables and benjemins are german. I just bought a older Bsr turntable really cheap It needs some small repairs Once I replace the wires on it it will be fine. There worth money for people who want a good turntable. They last a very long time.
@jimenguk Thanks, happy it helped - it's amazing how many views of this vid I am getting lately and people asking for assistance. Must be the season for Turntable Repairs!
That has a much nicer arm than most BSR tables I have seen (and I have repaired so many of them for that same problem. I have always referred to them as the Austin Allegro of turntables. Garrard tables were so much better. Of course the majority of the BSR turntables in the US were the very low end plastic platter units on the all-in-one systems which had some serious pitch consistency issues. BIC tables which were US made also had grease issues that would keep the platter from turning at all.
Hi there. First of all thanks for your video. I found an old BSR fidelity in the rubbish and have managed to make it work! The only problem remaining is an annoying ratling sound that makes every record sound like it's surf-rock ;) It only happens once I put the plate back on...
@diegomenagarcia Thanks for your comments! I would suggest that the bearings that fit around the centre spindle hub (that the turntable fits over) are shot or need repacking with grease. Also, perhaps a lot of grit has got into that section as you have found it on the rubbish. A good complete clean out should fix the problem. Let me know what happens out of interest. Hope this helps a bit! Cheers...
Hi there. First of all thanks for your video. I found an old BSR fidelity in the rubbish and have managed to make it work! The only problem remaining is an annoying ratling sound that makes every record sound like it's surf-rock ;) It only happens once I put the plate back on...
Hi there. First of all thanks for your video. I found an old BSR fidelity in the rubbish and have managed to make it work! The only problem remaining is an annoying ratling sound that makes every record sound like it's surf-rock ;) It only happens once I put the plate back on...
Thanks for taking the time to explain and demonstrate this repair... Found it very helpful, would love to see more vintage model repairs. I've got a Zenith 6 speaker solid state tt whose turntable stops after dropping the record. I'm guessing it's the same seizing issue as it plays fine when I persuade it to move with my finger. Anyway, thanks again!
@littlewienerdog Thanks for your kind comments. I would suggest it is indeed another seizing issue as your 'finger assistance' is a dead giveaway for that issue. So, cleaning and a re-grease should do the trick...!
@RetroCaptain Hi RetroCaptain! Actually all these BSRs are rim-driven (with a rubber wheel as you probably know). It can be seen to the bottom left of the video. However in time they too will become brittle or buckle if left for long periods and should also be replaced... Cheers...
@tubeie07 They sold belt-drive BSRs in the US during the late '70s and early '80s. Just checked an '82 Radio Shack catalog; the $70 model was a cheaper version of what you've got (plastic platter, rim drive, etc.); the $80 model was exactly the same thing (same overarm) with a cheesy looking S shaped arm and belt drive, classic BSR controls; for $100 you got an umbrella spindle and a decent arm. Don't know if Zenith used any of these, but they favored tables a rung or 2 above their competitors.
@tubeie07 hey there great video by the way but i still have a question i was hoping you could help me with. Ird9999 referred me to this video of yours because i have a Gerrard Model 40B and is very similar to this. i did what you showed in this video and finally got everything to work except for when the arm reaches the end of the record it does not retract to let the next record drop. instead it just sits there playing silence. the next record doesnt drop while the arm is still there luckily.
Glad you enjoyed the vid ! Your issue is with the 'trip mechanism' that engages when the arm reaches the lead-out groove. It works so that if the arm moves in slowly, the 'trip' misses the engage, if it moves in faster (the lead-out groove of the record) the trip engages etc. Note the gold2 piece lever where my thumb is at 1:35 into the vid. This needs to be cleaned & move freely. Also, as I mention, the CAM at 2:20 needs to move freelly also. This should solve your issues. Let me know if fixed!
@xTHExWASPx I suggest that as long as 'pusher bar' (the piece where my thumb was at 2:20 on the vid) is pushing the 2 piece part (at 1:35 on the vid) once the CAM has been re-attached onto the post, it should work. You can test this without putting the turntable back on. Make sure the CAM is at the rest position in the rotation, the notch in the gear should be lined-up with the centre post & then move the tome arm inward, you should see the lever move inward. If not you have another problem.
@tubeie07 thats the problem im having. as the tone arm moves inward it does not move the cam to pick up the arm again. actually it picks up the arm if i move it past the center post and almost to the other side of the record.
@xTHExWASPx OK I understand, this is a severe error. The only thing left to suggest is to re-align the levers underneath so that the lever only moves inward when you gat around 2-3 inches from the center post. How you do that depends on the damage done to the levers underneath, because to have the turntable get to this stage of error would have taken quite some doing ! Good luck...
@tubeie07 okay i looked at the base of the tone arm as i moved it to the end of the record and a piece of it was not moving with the arm (the piece that actually moves the cam to tell that the record is over). so i tied the two together with some very thin wire. i know its not correct but it gets the job done. anyway thanks for your help.
Is this particular turntable in question an integrated unit that's part of a stereo system, or is it a completly seperate unit that can be disconnected from the stereo?
These turntables from BSR were either installed in medium priced consols in the 70's-80's or were available as stand-alone models. The deck you see here was taken from a console, thus no plinth...
@tubeie07 Depending on the cartridge used BSR turntables could sound great or mediocre. I had an Emerson all in one table top unit with BSR plastic platter TT. So-so through headphones or good speakers, radio and eight track were much better quality. Later I listened to a component system with the same model TT, fidelity was way greater. I'm guessing a better quality cartridge and stylus. This was 1978-80. My 1970 console with ceramic cartridge TT is better sounding than the 1978 Emerson/BSR.
@tubeie07 The last new console I remember seeing was in 1978 in a department store, don't remember the make. By then consoles were more cheaply built and had these plastic platter BSR TTs and eight track players. Those didn't have the warm authorative sound of earlier consoles in the 60's and earlier 70's with their METAL platters and well made speakers.
I remember as a kid when my Granddad's BSR changer (in the USA they were common in the 1970s) seized up - in the late 1980s! Way ahead of schedule! (My grandparents live just off the ocean, and the salt air corrodes EVERYTHING)
I basically figured it out the slow way, wish I'd had your vid to save time!, but it did work like new, to this day - used 30-weight car motor oil.
Thats cool you're making vides for TT restoration, with the vinyl revival and all!
I've never used one of these before, but this video is very instructive. I don't mean to be rude here, but your digital camera doesn like processing fast moving objects at all, the image becomes very pixelated and blocky if you move the camera or subjects too quickly.
Hi Lachlan, yeah, this was a VERY early video from 2008 - thing have changed markedly since then. Thanks for the comments however, hope the video helped!
Thank you so much. Your expertise help me troubleshoot my GTE Sylvania turntable, 8-track, cassette entertainment center. Would have never done it without your video. Thanks again.
Your entirely welcome! I am SO surprised how much this little video has helped people in the same situation with these BSR Turntables - I may post some more tips on TT repair as it seems to be a big issue nowadays as vinyl is making a comeback ! Cheers...
Hi there. This is a common problem, especially for those that have not operated in a while. Suggest lightly tapping the center spindle area of the platter downward with a screwdriver big enough to span across the hole area while the actual platter is lifted up. You may need 2 people to do this. Otherwise a rust or lubricant aerosol sprayed onto the center area and left for a day, then attempted again. The platter will eventually lift up, just don't bend the center hole in the process. H.T.Helps!
That did the trick, thank you. We had to give it over a dozen whacks with a small hammer, holding the platter and pulling upward. It was really stuck! The original lube had dried up to become almost an adhesive.
thank you so much for this....I had no idea what was wrong with it ( as the turntable would not even move) I think that this was the problem!Thanks again!
I bought a record player and the turntable seems to spin too fast, Is there an adjustment to slow them down? Both the 33 rpm and 45 rpm records seem to spin too fast.
It all depends on whether it sis a rim drive (like the one in this video) or a belt driven TT. If it's belt driven, it could be a motor problem. If it's rim, it could be the idler wheel (the rubber wheel that runs on the inside rim of the turntable) is either slipping due to wear or it is running on the wrong step of the cam that decides what speed it is. Change the speed while the TT is off and see if it lines up correctly with that cam. Hope this helps!
Thank you SO much! We picked one of these up for a friend, and the speed was very slow. We watched your video through (three times) and the family had a great time together cleaning this thing up.
Now that the speed works, we need to find a video on youtube for getting rid of the left-speaker hum (the mono speaker). Oh, well . . . one thing at a time (smile) . . . Your video was a real service. Thanks for taking the time to do it!
You are most welcome - glad it helped, most people don't realize that these BSRs are quite easy to fix and they can be a real workhorse of a turntable! Cheers...
Again, the cleaning and re-greasing of this thing was just what we needed. Thanks so much. I'm sorry to bother you further, but have you got any advice for getting rid of the loud hum/buzz that happens when we plug any speaker into the left output jack (looking at it from the back)? This IS a standalone unit, right (BSR 967A)? You can't listen to it loud enough to cover the hum. It's VERY loud. If you just put a speaker in the right-hand jack, then there's no hum. There's, also, not much volume.
As you can imagine, it's difficult to exactly spot the problem without seeing the unit (unless you can send me a quick private vid of the set-up under 'send a private message section'. If it's turntable related, it could be that the connections at the back of the needle/cartridge are faulty or shorting out or indeed the cartridge may need replacing, they can fail over time if quite old. If it's not the turntable, then perhaps the amplifier that you are connecting the TT into is faulty (more)
Further, check if the cartridge is either a ceramic or a magnetic type. If it's the original it's highly likely it's a ceramic type, in which case you connect your TT the LINE-IN of your amplifier (not phono as that is used for magnetic cartridges, which could explain the hum and very low volume level). Try to send a vid, otherwise I'll try and help more with some more information. Kind regards...
instructions but still have a minor problem[ more of an annoyance].
Here is the description: I place a L.P. onthe spindle; move the arm over the L.P.;
slide the lever to "Auto" position and the platter stops rotating. With a little help by
hand the tone arm finally reaches the record and sets down and plays the record to the end., likewise when it is time to eject. This happens on 33.3 speed only. Any suggestions?
the section of my video from 1:24 to 3:34 should cover the section where you are having trouble. Once you have cleaned up this cam it should move fairly freely by hand 'CLOCKWISE' if you turn it, and you will see the arm go through it's paces through a complete cycle. If your finding the turntable stopping the minute it try's to engage the auto mechanism, it is usually due to this problem. Remember don't use too thick an oil in the track of the gear,it should be the consistancy of honey.Thanks!
ALSO, the fact that you say this occurs on 33 only definitely points to my solution, as any soeed faster than this has enough 'torque' to allow the gear to 'get-though' the cycle without stopping. I bet on 45 it works but is sluggish during the cycle but returns to normal speed when it's finished?! Hope this all helps and thanks for you comments!
I currently picked up a BSR 26CX turntable from a local goodwill for $15.
I when I was playing my record on it the platter got stuck and stopped moving. I tried removing the platter like shown, but it wouldn't budge. Lo and behold when I sprayed WD40 on the center post it became unstuck, plus now the platter moves smoothly again. Also its pretty much the same thing underneath the platter like you said it would.
What grease would you recommend me getting? & should I change the grease right now?
Glad you were able to get the TT going again with that simple fix. The 'thicker grease' I refer to would be something like 'PRESSOL' (german product, readily available', however apply sparingly and swab the area thoroughly, then run the cycle through by hand a few times to distribute evenly. That should do the trick!
Pressol grease does not seem to be available here in the US... or at least localy near me...
I saw when I saw canisters of 3 in 1 lubercant that was liquidy, and canisters of white lithium grease which was in a spray can and seemed as liquidy. The only thick grease I saw was barring grease for heavy machinery like tractors, cars, lawn mowers, etc... Do you think the heavy machinery grease is proper for this turntable, or should I keep looking?
It's a little difficult as you can imagine to describe the exact lubricant/grease I recommend, so I'll try and send you a short video of what it looks like ASAP. In the meantime,all I can suggest is that this grease comes in a long plastic white cylinder, the same type of cylinder that tile sealant comes in. It's about 12 inches long with a cap at one end that you remove. Both are designed to be used in a squeeze gun with a tip at the end to apply in the grout between tiles. Hope that helps!
hmm yea that sounds like the heavy machinery grease I was looking at. Came in a 12inch long white tube, and looked like it should be hooked up to a squeeze gun or something. It didn't have a tip though, more like a removable plastic cap on one end and a metal end with a pulltab at the other end to open it. The grease inside was green colored as well. Can't remember the brand of it at the moment though...
A video, or detailed pictures of the grease you use would be most helpful.
I have a problem with a modern turntable. It's a Philco and it has a CD player also but the Turntable wont turn. I checked the belt and it was fine. The weird part is that its brand new. Any idea what the problem could be?
Hey Rob, then the only thing that I can think of is that it's power related. 1.If you can turn it freely by hand manually then it's probably the motor. 2.Take the TT off,remove belt & see if motor shaft is running when turned on. 3.The belt may be slipping on the motor shaft, but that is rare, Finally, 5.If the belt is too large & loose the TT won't turn,but if you say it's practically new,then that could only be the case if the wrong belt was supplied with the unit.Good luck, hope that helps!
Thanks. I'm going to assume its the motor, because the shaft doesn't turn. I was also told it could be dried grease on the shaft causing it to seize up.
Hi, great video, I had the same problem with some of my BSR and Garrard. I have encountered another problem on other brands (admiral, GE) and I don't know what to do, maybe you can help me. The motor shaft seems to be warped, causing vibration and noise. Do you think the turntable is ruined? I already tried to align them, but without sucess. Thanks.
Hi,I'm not familiar with Admiral or GE as they were not imported into Austraila,however you mentioned that was is vibration and noise-then I would suggest replacing the rubber grommets that hold the motor to the base-plate & allow it to 'float'.This is common on these TTs as rubber hardens & disintegrates over time(you can see the three posts at the 4min mark of this Vid).The only other suggestion is the Idler wheel rubber has also hardened,so replacing this is the only answer.Hope this helps!
Thanks for posting this. I have two BSR mini-changers that ran fast, almost 48rpm at the 45setting. I used a fine sandpaper on the motor pole which did the trick. However, I had to clean and re-lube the motor.
Hi calv154, these turntables are SO common that if you just hunt around I bet you could pick one up for nothing and get the idler wheel out of it. 90% of BSR 'budget' models from the 70's have all the same design, so parts, especially mechanical' are all interchangeable. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of getting the right model you require for the parts!
Hello tubie, I have run across my parents old BSR 25CX McDonald. It has trouble spinning up to speed, I think it might be a bad belt or something along those lines.
My question is, I cannot get the platter off of the turntable! I've removed the pin in the middle, and pulled with all my might, but I cannot get it off. Any tips or advice?
I have come across this problem myself, it's another example of the horrible lubricant they used to use in the 70's-80's - it chrysalises and hardens.Only thing I can suggest it apply some WD40 directly to the centre post area ONLY.You may have to do this several times,then after a day of two gently try and rock gently the platter from the post, in the same way I removed the gear in the video.This would be the exact reason why the platter takes so long to come up to & stay on the correct speed:)
ALSO, as mentioned in the video, the washers that are on the center post are probably locked onto or jammed onto the base of the post underneath. A reminder, DO NOT force the platter off the post, just gently rock back-and-forth and try to lift. If you bend the centre post the TT will be useless to you, BSRs are not well made and use low grade steel etc... Hope all these hints help...!
Are there ANY resources ,preferably DVDs, on fixing/repairing old turntables, especially the combo units? I have no clue how to even take them apart, or know what to look for! Any help appreciated! I have found many turntables at thrift stores, but have no idea to make them "new" again. I am not mechanically inclined and would be starting from scratch in terms of even general mechanical knowledge. Any help appreciated.
These BSR TTs dont have a user adjustable speed setting.Two things could be happening. 1.If speed is CONSTANT but running fast,it could be that the rubber idler wheel is not resting EXACTLY in the middle of one of the speed 'steps' in the motor cam,if it runs high onto the next step slightly,this can make it run fast,or 2.If it runs fast but NOT CONSTANT(wowing effect)then the idler wheel is slipping on the inside of the turntable itself.Make sure no oil on both wheel & inside rim it runs on. :)
Very helpful demonstration!! Seems that old grease is usually the culprit when all parts are intact. I'm having trouble with the speeds on my old player - perhaps a good clean out will help - Thanks, and post more. ;-)
Great information! This is information that I can use in the future. It's beginning to look like you have about one of everything.
Give Hank a cookie for me. Ten of so years ago some very good friends got a Bichon Frises pup and they were thinking of names. I suggested Obi-Wan Kenobi because he kept using the force to get out of his pen. And that's his name.
this might not be the best place to ask but i'm going to try. I recently change the belt of my record player because it sounded slow. now its fixed but the 45 speed plays kind of slow and the 33 speed plays normal? any help on that? please i have a 2002 thomas pacconi record player..
jg1988 1 week ago
@jg1988 It's very difficult to tell without seeing the turntable and I am not familiar with that brand. If you say it was a 'belt' you replaced as opposed to an idler 'wheel', then perhaps the belt is not sitting on the 'step' required for 45 operation. Just a guess having not seen the player...
tubeie07 1 week ago
@tubeie07 thanks for replying. and what do i have to do for the idler wheel then or the step required for the 45 operation ? you might see the thomas pacconi record players thru yahoo searches
jg1988 1 week ago
@jg1988 Hi, I just looked up your brand of player and as it is actually a modern player 'looking as antique' player, I am not familiar with that type of turntable so I can't help you further. Sorry about that...
tubeie07 1 week ago
SWEET! I know what I'm opening up when I get home ^_^
kryten77 3 months ago
what brand of grease do u recommend?
deemullins1 3 months ago
thanks your your good advice and video
indysoundman1 6 months ago
@indysoundman1 Your very welcome...!
tubeie07 6 months ago
Thanks for the video, but my BSR seems to be jammed on the OFF / ON / AUTO switch, not letting me turn to any of them. What should I do to get the lever to adjust to other positions besides off?
crazo001 7 months ago
@crazo001 Google "BSR seized start switch" and see the first result below this video.
OldMusicOnVinyl1 7 months ago
@crazo001 I have this problem too. Did you ever fix it?
omily2007 2 months ago
@crazo001 I have the same problem. Did you ever fix it?
omily2007 2 months ago
@omily2007 Yes, just by doing what's in the video - all good now!
tubeie07 2 months ago
what about fixing the motor?when i play me records, they sound just a little slow. my turntable is much like that, no belts and the motor can be taken apart
RobertC19850209 11 months ago
@RobertC19850209 Yes, the motor could be at fault here - as they are so common, I suggest getting one from another deck in better condition and just doing a one-for-one replacement. Unless you know what your doing, it's not worth taking the time to fix it as they are very common... Thanks for the comments.
tubeie07 11 months ago
Where do you find the thick lube?
aldiakaroofus 1 year ago
@aldiakaroofus Sorry, I will look up the name and get back to you...
tubeie07 1 year ago
@tubeie07 Oh, no worries. I'm not fixing it right away, but I want to start looking for the lube.
aldiakaroofus 1 year ago
Getting the platter off was no easy feat with mine and also the big cog is locked by a lip under the smaller cog even after I removed the retaining E-clip. I also came across a ball bearing inside, no idea if it should have been there or not. I wonder, though, if in fact it just needed lubrication on the underside of the spindle.
vitaeterna 1 year ago
The video helped a lot...but I still have a small problem the stop, start, and auto switch will not budge, preventing the TT from spinning. I currently have a piece of cardboard underneath pressing the wheel against the turntable to make it spin, but it stays on all the time if its plugged in...any suggestion on how to get the start trigger unstuck?
spikercolorz 1 year ago
@spikercolorz HI there... again it's usually the issue of gummed up grease from the 70's holding the works up - if your issue is purely with the levers that move the OFF/START/AUTO lever, I suggest you dismantle this section, remove all the old grease, relube and reassemble. If it's the levers that are further up the chain, that is connecting the idler when to engage with the turntable, again carefully do the same with this section. These turntables are very basic & mechanical. Hope this helps!
tubeie07 1 year ago
The turntable in my 1970 JVC Nivico stereo console won't adjust properly. That is if I adjust the springed screw to allow the tonearm to set down on the beginning of the record properly, at the end of the record it won't pick up and return to park unless I move the arm another inch over toward the spindle. What else is there that determines the arm travel and cycle trip points? I don't see any other adjustment screws for the arm. Thanks.
Nivicoman 1 year ago
@Nivicoman Hi there! This seems to be my most often asked question, therefore I have answered it a few times in the comments. If you look below with my 2 comments that have the phrase in them such as "trip mechanism" and "pusher bar" you should get the answers. The adjustments at the back of the pick-up arm have nothing to do with 'when' the mechanism engages for auto return, they are only to do with the set-down position at the edge of the record. Let me know if you don't find the answers below
tubeie07 1 year ago
@tubeie07 Belated reply thanks for the suggestion. Now that you mention it that makes sense there would be a tab or lever or bar to trip the auto return, in my case it could be bent or worn or broken off. And I know what you mean by gummed up old grease. The reel to reel tape deck in my console responded quite nicely to cleaning out 40 year old hardened lubricant and replenishing with new.
Nivicoman 1 year ago
There one of the best turntables money can buy I just bought one. Bsr and benjenmin make the best turntables money can buy. Benjenmins are german bsr are german. I like the great natural stereo sound these turntables have. There worth alot of money in good condition.
burntvalve86 1 year ago
Bsr and benjemin turntables are some of the best vintage machines to buy they have a amazing natural stereo sound to them. Bsr are british turntables and benjemins are german. I just bought a older Bsr turntable really cheap It needs some small repairs Once I replace the wires on it it will be fine. There worth money for people who want a good turntable. They last a very long time.
burntvalve86 1 year ago
Thanks very much for this - very useful and it saved my Fidelity mono record player from the rubbish bin! Keep up the good work mate!
jimenguk 1 year ago
@jimenguk Thanks, happy it helped - it's amazing how many views of this vid I am getting lately and people asking for assistance. Must be the season for Turntable Repairs!
tubeie07 1 year ago
Thanks for this video post, i watched this on how to repair my seized bsr record changer.
luvsthose8230s 1 year ago
@luvsthose8230s Glad I could help !
tubeie07 1 year ago
That has a much nicer arm than most BSR tables I have seen (and I have repaired so many of them for that same problem. I have always referred to them as the Austin Allegro of turntables. Garrard tables were so much better. Of course the majority of the BSR turntables in the US were the very low end plastic platter units on the all-in-one systems which had some serious pitch consistency issues. BIC tables which were US made also had grease issues that would keep the platter from turning at all.
thatmuse76 1 year ago
Hi there. First of all thanks for your video. I found an old BSR fidelity in the rubbish and have managed to make it work! The only problem remaining is an annoying ratling sound that makes every record sound like it's surf-rock ;) It only happens once I put the plate back on...
Any ideas?
diegomenagarcia 1 year ago
@diegomenagarcia Thanks for your comments! I would suggest that the bearings that fit around the centre spindle hub (that the turntable fits over) are shot or need repacking with grease. Also, perhaps a lot of grit has got into that section as you have found it on the rubbish. A good complete clean out should fix the problem. Let me know what happens out of interest. Hope this helps a bit! Cheers...
tubeie07 1 year ago
Hi there. First of all thanks for your video. I found an old BSR fidelity in the rubbish and have managed to make it work! The only problem remaining is an annoying ratling sound that makes every record sound like it's surf-rock ;) It only happens once I put the plate back on...
Any ideas?
diegomenagarcia 1 year ago
Hi there. First of all thanks for your video. I found an old BSR fidelity in the rubbish and have managed to make it work! The only problem remaining is an annoying ratling sound that makes every record sound like it's surf-rock ;) It only happens once I put the plate back on...
Any ideas?
diegomenagarcia 1 year ago
Thanks for taking the time to explain and demonstrate this repair... Found it very helpful, would love to see more vintage model repairs. I've got a Zenith 6 speaker solid state tt whose turntable stops after dropping the record. I'm guessing it's the same seizing issue as it plays fine when I persuade it to move with my finger. Anyway, thanks again!
littlewienerdog 1 year ago
@littlewienerdog Thanks for your kind comments. I would suggest it is indeed another seizing issue as your 'finger assistance' is a dead giveaway for that issue. So, cleaning and a re-grease should do the trick...!
tubeie07 1 year ago
@littlewienerdog
Good Day,
Personally in this units case,..I'd bet a box of Labatt 50 that this is a belt driven platter.
The belt was made 20 something yrs ago,..& is pooped.
New belt will have it singing again..
Same idea as this vid shows to get access to replace belt.
Make every effort not to break the belt or lose pieces...the store ppl need to measure the length.
Remember..the stylus if worn,..will "wreck" the fidelity of your lps..."carve" the grooves wrong.
A new 1 is best option!
RetroCaptain 1 year ago
@RetroCaptain Hi RetroCaptain! Actually all these BSRs are rim-driven (with a rubber wheel as you probably know). It can be seen to the bottom left of the video. However in time they too will become brittle or buckle if left for long periods and should also be replaced... Cheers...
tubeie07 1 year ago
@tubeie07 They sold belt-drive BSRs in the US during the late '70s and early '80s. Just checked an '82 Radio Shack catalog; the $70 model was a cheaper version of what you've got (plastic platter, rim drive, etc.); the $80 model was exactly the same thing (same overarm) with a cheesy looking S shaped arm and belt drive, classic BSR controls; for $100 you got an umbrella spindle and a decent arm. Don't know if Zenith used any of these, but they favored tables a rung or 2 above their competitors.
lrd9999 1 year ago
@tubeie07 hey there great video by the way but i still have a question i was hoping you could help me with. Ird9999 referred me to this video of yours because i have a Gerrard Model 40B and is very similar to this. i did what you showed in this video and finally got everything to work except for when the arm reaches the end of the record it does not retract to let the next record drop. instead it just sits there playing silence. the next record doesnt drop while the arm is still there luckily.
xTHExWASPx 1 year ago
Glad you enjoyed the vid ! Your issue is with the 'trip mechanism' that engages when the arm reaches the lead-out groove. It works so that if the arm moves in slowly, the 'trip' misses the engage, if it moves in faster (the lead-out groove of the record) the trip engages etc. Note the gold2 piece lever where my thumb is at 1:35 into the vid. This needs to be cleaned & move freely. Also, as I mention, the CAM at 2:20 needs to move freelly also. This should solve your issues. Let me know if fixed!
tubeie07 1 year ago
@xTHExWASPx Hi see the reply above... :)
tubeie07 1 year ago
@tubeie07 i just took it apart again and both pieces move very freely. what else could be the problem?
xTHExWASPx 1 year ago
@xTHExWASPx I suggest that as long as 'pusher bar' (the piece where my thumb was at 2:20 on the vid) is pushing the 2 piece part (at 1:35 on the vid) once the CAM has been re-attached onto the post, it should work. You can test this without putting the turntable back on. Make sure the CAM is at the rest position in the rotation, the notch in the gear should be lined-up with the centre post & then move the tome arm inward, you should see the lever move inward. If not you have another problem.
tubeie07 1 year ago
@tubeie07 thats the problem im having. as the tone arm moves inward it does not move the cam to pick up the arm again. actually it picks up the arm if i move it past the center post and almost to the other side of the record.
xTHExWASPx 1 year ago
@xTHExWASPx OK I understand, this is a severe error. The only thing left to suggest is to re-align the levers underneath so that the lever only moves inward when you gat around 2-3 inches from the center post. How you do that depends on the damage done to the levers underneath, because to have the turntable get to this stage of error would have taken quite some doing ! Good luck...
tubeie07 1 year ago
@tubeie07 okay i looked at the base of the tone arm as i moved it to the end of the record and a piece of it was not moving with the arm (the piece that actually moves the cam to tell that the record is over). so i tied the two together with some very thin wire. i know its not correct but it gets the job done. anyway thanks for your help.
xTHExWASPx 1 year ago
Is this particular turntable in question an integrated unit that's part of a stereo system, or is it a completly seperate unit that can be disconnected from the stereo?
Lachlant1984 2 years ago
These turntables from BSR were either installed in medium priced consols in the 70's-80's or were available as stand-alone models. The deck you see here was taken from a console, thus no plinth...
tubeie07 2 years ago
@tubeie07 Depending on the cartridge used BSR turntables could sound great or mediocre. I had an Emerson all in one table top unit with BSR plastic platter TT. So-so through headphones or good speakers, radio and eight track were much better quality. Later I listened to a component system with the same model TT, fidelity was way greater. I'm guessing a better quality cartridge and stylus. This was 1978-80. My 1970 console with ceramic cartridge TT is better sounding than the 1978 Emerson/BSR.
Nivicoman 1 year ago
@tubeie07 The last new console I remember seeing was in 1978 in a department store, don't remember the make. By then consoles were more cheaply built and had these plastic platter BSR TTs and eight track players. Those didn't have the warm authorative sound of earlier consoles in the 60's and earlier 70's with their METAL platters and well made speakers.
Nivicoman 1 year ago
I remember as a kid when my Granddad's BSR changer (in the USA they were common in the 1970s) seized up - in the late 1980s! Way ahead of schedule! (My grandparents live just off the ocean, and the salt air corrodes EVERYTHING)
I basically figured it out the slow way, wish I'd had your vid to save time!, but it did work like new, to this day - used 30-weight car motor oil.
Thats cool you're making vides for TT restoration, with the vinyl revival and all!
goodshiite 2 years ago
I've never used one of these before, but this video is very instructive. I don't mean to be rude here, but your digital camera doesn like processing fast moving objects at all, the image becomes very pixelated and blocky if you move the camera or subjects too quickly.
Lachlant1984 2 years ago
Hi Lachlan, yeah, this was a VERY early video from 2008 - thing have changed markedly since then. Thanks for the comments however, hope the video helped!
tubeie07 2 years ago
Greetings,
Thank you so much. Your expertise help me troubleshoot my GTE Sylvania turntable, 8-track, cassette entertainment center. Would have never done it without your video. Thanks again.
Ock, Orlando Florida
chauser1962 2 years ago
Your entirely welcome! I am SO surprised how much this little video has helped people in the same situation with these BSR Turntables - I may post some more tips on TT repair as it seems to be a big issue nowadays as vinyl is making a comeback ! Cheers...
tubeie07 2 years ago
Hello, I have a BSR sold under the Panasonic label. I've removed the c clip but the platter won't budge! Any suggestions?
theclutterhouse 2 years ago
Hi there. This is a common problem, especially for those that have not operated in a while. Suggest lightly tapping the center spindle area of the platter downward with a screwdriver big enough to span across the hole area while the actual platter is lifted up. You may need 2 people to do this. Otherwise a rust or lubricant aerosol sprayed onto the center area and left for a day, then attempted again. The platter will eventually lift up, just don't bend the center hole in the process. H.T.Helps!
tubeie07 2 years ago
That did the trick, thank you. We had to give it over a dozen whacks with a small hammer, holding the platter and pulling upward. It was really stuck! The original lube had dried up to become almost an adhesive.
theclutterhouse 2 years ago
thank you so much for this....I had no idea what was wrong with it ( as the turntable would not even move) I think that this was the problem!Thanks again!
snellashley 2 years ago
Your most welcome!
tubeie07 2 years ago
I bought a record player and the turntable seems to spin too fast, Is there an adjustment to slow them down? Both the 33 rpm and 45 rpm records seem to spin too fast.
sauerkraut145 2 years ago
It all depends on whether it sis a rim drive (like the one in this video) or a belt driven TT. If it's belt driven, it could be a motor problem. If it's rim, it could be the idler wheel (the rubber wheel that runs on the inside rim of the turntable) is either slipping due to wear or it is running on the wrong step of the cam that decides what speed it is. Change the speed while the TT is off and see if it lines up correctly with that cam. Hope this helps!
tubeie07 2 years ago
Thank you SO much! We picked one of these up for a friend, and the speed was very slow. We watched your video through (three times) and the family had a great time together cleaning this thing up.
Now that the speed works, we need to find a video on youtube for getting rid of the left-speaker hum (the mono speaker). Oh, well . . . one thing at a time (smile) . . . Your video was a real service. Thanks for taking the time to do it!
GiveMeBlackandWhite 2 years ago
You are most welcome - glad it helped, most people don't realize that these BSRs are quite easy to fix and they can be a real workhorse of a turntable! Cheers...
tubeie07 2 years ago
Again, the cleaning and re-greasing of this thing was just what we needed. Thanks so much. I'm sorry to bother you further, but have you got any advice for getting rid of the loud hum/buzz that happens when we plug any speaker into the left output jack (looking at it from the back)? This IS a standalone unit, right (BSR 967A)? You can't listen to it loud enough to cover the hum. It's VERY loud. If you just put a speaker in the right-hand jack, then there's no hum. There's, also, not much volume.
seproductionsyt 2 years ago
As you can imagine, it's difficult to exactly spot the problem without seeing the unit (unless you can send me a quick private vid of the set-up under 'send a private message section'. If it's turntable related, it could be that the connections at the back of the needle/cartridge are faulty or shorting out or indeed the cartridge may need replacing, they can fail over time if quite old. If it's not the turntable, then perhaps the amplifier that you are connecting the TT into is faulty (more)
tubeie07 2 years ago
Further, check if the cartridge is either a ceramic or a magnetic type. If it's the original it's highly likely it's a ceramic type, in which case you connect your TT the LINE-IN of your amplifier (not phono as that is used for magnetic cartridges, which could explain the hum and very low volume level). Try to send a vid, otherwise I'll try and help more with some more information. Kind regards...
tubeie07 2 years ago
Thanks, video was very helpful. Followed
instructions but still have a minor problem[ more of an annoyance].
Here is the description: I place a L.P. onthe spindle; move the arm over the L.P.;
slide the lever to "Auto" position and the platter stops rotating. With a little help by
hand the tone arm finally reaches the record and sets down and plays the record to the end., likewise when it is time to eject. This happens on 33.3 speed only. Any suggestions?
Thanks... Tiberius
rockotimpatch 3 years ago
the section of my video from 1:24 to 3:34 should cover the section where you are having trouble. Once you have cleaned up this cam it should move fairly freely by hand 'CLOCKWISE' if you turn it, and you will see the arm go through it's paces through a complete cycle. If your finding the turntable stopping the minute it try's to engage the auto mechanism, it is usually due to this problem. Remember don't use too thick an oil in the track of the gear,it should be the consistancy of honey.Thanks!
tubeie07 3 years ago
ALSO, the fact that you say this occurs on 33 only definitely points to my solution, as any soeed faster than this has enough 'torque' to allow the gear to 'get-though' the cycle without stopping. I bet on 45 it works but is sluggish during the cycle but returns to normal speed when it's finished?! Hope this all helps and thanks for you comments!
tubeie07 3 years ago
I currently picked up a BSR 26CX turntable from a local goodwill for $15.
I when I was playing my record on it the platter got stuck and stopped moving. I tried removing the platter like shown, but it wouldn't budge. Lo and behold when I sprayed WD40 on the center post it became unstuck, plus now the platter moves smoothly again. Also its pretty much the same thing underneath the platter like you said it would.
What grease would you recommend me getting? & should I change the grease right now?
segamanxero 3 years ago
sorry, must clarify I know you recommended thick grease, I was referring to what brand of grease that you would recommend...
segamanxero 3 years ago
Glad you were able to get the TT going again with that simple fix. The 'thicker grease' I refer to would be something like 'PRESSOL' (german product, readily available', however apply sparingly and swab the area thoroughly, then run the cycle through by hand a few times to distribute evenly. That should do the trick!
tubeie07 3 years ago
Pressol grease does not seem to be available here in the US... or at least localy near me...
I saw when I saw canisters of 3 in 1 lubercant that was liquidy, and canisters of white lithium grease which was in a spray can and seemed as liquidy. The only thick grease I saw was barring grease for heavy machinery like tractors, cars, lawn mowers, etc... Do you think the heavy machinery grease is proper for this turntable, or should I keep looking?
Thanks so much for your help!
segamanxero 2 years ago
It's a little difficult as you can imagine to describe the exact lubricant/grease I recommend, so I'll try and send you a short video of what it looks like ASAP. In the meantime,all I can suggest is that this grease comes in a long plastic white cylinder, the same type of cylinder that tile sealant comes in. It's about 12 inches long with a cap at one end that you remove. Both are designed to be used in a squeeze gun with a tip at the end to apply in the grout between tiles. Hope that helps!
tubeie07 2 years ago
hmm yea that sounds like the heavy machinery grease I was looking at. Came in a 12inch long white tube, and looked like it should be hooked up to a squeeze gun or something. It didn't have a tip though, more like a removable plastic cap on one end and a metal end with a pulltab at the other end to open it. The grease inside was green colored as well. Can't remember the brand of it at the moment though...
A video, or detailed pictures of the grease you use would be most helpful.
thanks so much!
segamanxero 2 years ago
No! The quality of this video is fine.
I always wondered how to fix that problem myself. Thanks for sharing.
Interests2009 3 years ago
I have a problem with a modern turntable. It's a Philco and it has a CD player also but the Turntable wont turn. I checked the belt and it was fine. The weird part is that its brand new. Any idea what the problem could be?
RobThePerson 3 years ago
Hey Rob, then the only thing that I can think of is that it's power related. 1.If you can turn it freely by hand manually then it's probably the motor. 2.Take the TT off,remove belt & see if motor shaft is running when turned on. 3.The belt may be slipping on the motor shaft, but that is rare, Finally, 5.If the belt is too large & loose the TT won't turn,but if you say it's practically new,then that could only be the case if the wrong belt was supplied with the unit.Good luck, hope that helps!
tubeie07 3 years ago
Thanks. I'm going to assume its the motor, because the shaft doesn't turn. I was also told it could be dried grease on the shaft causing it to seize up.
RobThePerson 3 years ago
Hi, great video, I had the same problem with some of my BSR and Garrard. I have encountered another problem on other brands (admiral, GE) and I don't know what to do, maybe you can help me. The motor shaft seems to be warped, causing vibration and noise. Do you think the turntable is ruined? I already tried to align them, but without sucess. Thanks.
ainamen 3 years ago
Hi,I'm not familiar with Admiral or GE as they were not imported into Austraila,however you mentioned that was is vibration and noise-then I would suggest replacing the rubber grommets that hold the motor to the base-plate & allow it to 'float'.This is common on these TTs as rubber hardens & disintegrates over time(you can see the three posts at the 4min mark of this Vid).The only other suggestion is the Idler wheel rubber has also hardened,so replacing this is the only answer.Hope this helps!
tubeie07 3 years ago
Thanks for posting this. I have two BSR mini-changers that ran fast, almost 48rpm at the 45setting. I used a fine sandpaper on the motor pole which did the trick. However, I had to clean and re-lube the motor.
gregbarrett9 3 years ago
Thanks for your comments!
tubeie07 3 years ago
Does anyone know a good place to find a replacement idler wheel?
I just picked up one of these turntables and the wheel has 2 chunks taken out of it. Thanks
calv154 3 years ago
Hi calv154, these turntables are SO common that if you just hunt around I bet you could pick one up for nothing and get the idler wheel out of it. 90% of BSR 'budget' models from the 70's have all the same design, so parts, especially mechanical' are all interchangeable. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of getting the right model you require for the parts!
tubeie07 3 years ago
Hello tubie, I have run across my parents old BSR 25CX McDonald. It has trouble spinning up to speed, I think it might be a bad belt or something along those lines.
My question is, I cannot get the platter off of the turntable! I've removed the pin in the middle, and pulled with all my might, but I cannot get it off. Any tips or advice?
xxhaloownerxx 3 years ago
I have come across this problem myself, it's another example of the horrible lubricant they used to use in the 70's-80's - it chrysalises and hardens.Only thing I can suggest it apply some WD40 directly to the centre post area ONLY.You may have to do this several times,then after a day of two gently try and rock gently the platter from the post, in the same way I removed the gear in the video.This would be the exact reason why the platter takes so long to come up to & stay on the correct speed:)
tubeie07 3 years ago
ALSO, as mentioned in the video, the washers that are on the center post are probably locked onto or jammed onto the base of the post underneath. A reminder, DO NOT force the platter off the post, just gently rock back-and-forth and try to lift. If you bend the centre post the TT will be useless to you, BSRs are not well made and use low grade steel etc... Hope all these hints help...!
tubeie07 3 years ago
Are there ANY resources ,preferably DVDs, on fixing/repairing old turntables, especially the combo units? I have no clue how to even take them apart, or know what to look for! Any help appreciated! I have found many turntables at thrift stores, but have no idea to make them "new" again. I am not mechanically inclined and would be starting from scratch in terms of even general mechanical knowledge. Any help appreciated.
LardInATubeSock 3 years ago
Do you have any idea how to adjust the speed on one of these??? Mine runs too fast!
Trance88 3 years ago
These BSR TTs dont have a user adjustable speed setting.Two things could be happening. 1.If speed is CONSTANT but running fast,it could be that the rubber idler wheel is not resting EXACTLY in the middle of one of the speed 'steps' in the motor cam,if it runs high onto the next step slightly,this can make it run fast,or 2.If it runs fast but NOT CONSTANT(wowing effect)then the idler wheel is slipping on the inside of the turntable itself.Make sure no oil on both wheel & inside rim it runs on. :)
tubeie07 3 years ago
Everything seems to be fine, I believe it's just the motor. Is it possible to replace a transistor or something to slow it down?
Trance88 3 years ago
Very helpful demonstration!! Seems that old grease is usually the culprit when all parts are intact. I'm having trouble with the speeds on my old player - perhaps a good clean out will help - Thanks, and post more. ;-)
BicknellStudio 3 years ago
Thank you! I appreciate it!
CassetteMaster 3 years ago
Great information! This is information that I can use in the future. It's beginning to look like you have about one of everything.
Give Hank a cookie for me. Ten of so years ago some very good friends got a Bichon Frises pup and they were thinking of names. I suggested Obi-Wan Kenobi because he kept using the force to get out of his pen. And that's his name.
AllAmericanFiveRadio 3 years ago
Great use of the name Obi-Wan, I presume the force is still with him?!
tubeie07 3 years ago
Stronger than ever, he opens up his own presents. Once the force was so strong, that the present was torn up before it was out of the package.
AllAmericanFiveRadio 3 years ago