Rock-Ola 464 record pick-up

Las Vegas Jukebox · by **Las Vegas Jukebox** » Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:12 am

Hi

I have just bought a Rock-Ola 464. It seems to be 95% working. However, after it has placed a record on the turntable and the record ends, or is rejected, the gripper arm lifts about half inch before it starts to try and grip the record. Thus, because it has lifted it misses the record leaving it on the turntable. This is serious when playing a B-side because the tone arm hits the gripper arm and they get jammed together. I can't find anything in the manual for this type of adjustment. There are adjustments for picking the record from the basket, but not from the turntable.

Also, the jukebox appears to be set to free play. Can anyone tell me how to switch it back to coins?

by **Ron Rich** » Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:17 am

This is a common RO problem due to lack of, or improper lubrication. Solving this will cost you some time, but if you follow the directions here, it can be done--
First--obtain some SAE 20 wt ND,oil. Next saturate the gripper with this--getting it into all bearings, "cracks, and crevices"--including between the two large outboard gears. Play several "A" sides--hold down on the "tip" of the gripper arm, gently, with your finger (do not "jam" it !!), as the record is rejected --do this over and over again till the gripper operates as it should. Then try the "B" side of the record--it probably won't grab it--so do the same thing on several "B" sides ( hold the arm gently, with your finger)--saturate the gripper again ---be sure to get the oil in the two spring loaded sections---
To remove it from "free play" --just undo, whatever the other person did to make it 'free play"---
Ron Rich

Las Vegas Jukebox · by **Las Vegas Jukebox** » Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:05 am

Thanks Ron, great advise as usual - you really know your stuff.

by **Ron Rich** » Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:41 pm

Keith,
You are welcome--yea-been "afixin" on them too long---that's what happens, as one tends to remember what he has "battled" in the past--but I keep it up, hoping ( like yesterday) I learn something "new"--
Ron

DoghouseRiley · by **DoghouseRiley** » Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:49 pm

As Ron says this is a common fault, here's a Rock-Ola lubrication chart.

You can copy it and enlarge it if you can't see it clearly.

You will only need to do it twice a year in a domestic situation.
The best form of preventative maintenance is regular use and give those B sides "you don't like, so never play," a spin every now and then, even if you reject them as soon as the needle hits the track-in.

Las Vegas Jukebox · by **Las Vegas Jukebox** » Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:11 pm

Thanks DoghouseRiley, the lube chart was a big help. Everything is up and running now. I am going to be selling this one, so for anyone interested in a Rock-Ola 464 check-out the For Sale section soon. I will be asking $464. LOL