Page 1 of 2

Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2013 9:27 pm
by Stacy S
Hi, I just picked this up at a Garage Sale. It reminded me of being a kid in the 70's but from what I gather its from the 60's but what year? I don't see one online like it.
I've yet to take the back off completely, just glanced back there so the only numbers I have are model # 1P3714. JC 3714 is on the bottom of one of the sliding doors. I think it has a hook up for a 8 Track player in the back. Radio/Speakers work great but the record player has no needle. Is the model number what I need to get a needle?
It came with the original booklet but even that doesn't say what year it is. Hope you guys can help me! I'm new to this so I appreciate any info, Thanks!
Stacy :)
P1010023a.JPG
(506.88 KiB) Not downloaded yet
P1010020.JPG
(452.95 KiB) Not downloaded yet

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2013 11:49 pm
by Stacy S
Why aren't my pictures showing up?

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 12:42 am
by Ron Rich
They "show up" for me ( when I "click" on them) ??
Ron Rich

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 4:21 am
by MattTech
Mid-late 60's model.

Pfanstiehl 368 needle.

http://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/ ... ategories=

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 5:05 am
by Joe_DS
This 1964 Magnavox Normandy (French) Provincial model comes the closest, though it has two mock drawers instead of three.

Image

http://for-sale.yowcow.com/listing/26245750/

OF

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 6:49 am
by MattTech
Take a look at the changer in Stacy's console Joe..
It's a W800 series, used in later 60's era sets.

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 4:22 pm
by Joe_DS
MattTech wrote:Take a look at the changer in Stacy's console Joe..
It's a 700 series, used in later 60's era sets.



Hi Matt:

Thanks for pointing that out. I'd guess that this was the follow-on model to the one I posted, circa 1967 or 1968?

As an aside, it seems there were hundreds or more console cabinet styles produced by Magnavox during the 50s through the 80s. With interest growing, especially among those in the younger set, it would be great to see a comprehensive (online) guide, or one in book form.

Any takers?

JDS

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 6:33 pm
by Stacy S
Thanks Matt & Joe for trying to help me with my new console!
So, that's the needle I need to get Matt? Does that whole cartridge come out or the needle just pops up in there? Guess I should look better
at it before I ask more questions. LOL
I'm going to take the back off this week and clean it up. See if I see any more tags or numbers for it.
I'll take more pics and hopefully can find out the exact year its from.
Thanks again guys, I really appreciate your time! :D

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2013 2:39 am
by MattTech
Stacy S wrote:Thanks Matt & Joe for trying to help me with my new console!
So, that's the needle I need to get Matt? Does that whole cartridge come out or the needle just pops up in there? Guess I should look better
at it before I ask more questions. LOL
I'm going to take the back off this week and clean it up. See if I see any more tags or numbers for it.
I'll take more pics and hopefully can find out the exact year its from.
Thanks again guys, I really appreciate your time! :D


The needle merely snaps into and out (carefully) of a small retaining clip on the cartridge.
Flip the needle selector lever back and forth, the part that moves is the removable needle assembly itself.
But from experience, these things are 40+ years old now, and the lubricants are long dried up in the changer mechanism and motor.
A professional overhaul is best, to insure continued operation without problems.
The electronics also could use an overhaul to insure reliability too.

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 2:46 am
by Stacy S
Hey Matt...my player didnt come with a needle. I un-screwed the cartride to look for a number on it but saw nothing. I did see 690 903 on that 45' changer thing. Does that number mean anything?
I went to that link you gave me for needles but it shows 4 different ones. I still dont get what needle to get!
Sorry to be trouble. Just trying to learn! THANKS!

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 6:25 am
by MattTech
Please don't remove the cartridge and RISK damaging the DELICATE wiring attached.
Unless you want more troubles to deal with.
The needle link I listed - use the first one of the listings.
Diamond/Sapphire tips.

The actual needle assembly is the black lever.

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 8:00 am
by Bobby Basham
What you have appears to be a W620 changer which may possibly have an EV275 or an Astatic 165D cartridge. There are other cartridges out there that may fit the bill. Check out the FAQ where many have contributed. The pic submitted by MattTech is excellent. -BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 1:55 am
by Record-changer
This was the last changer with the odd-sized record capability Collaro made. They were made between 1964 and 1967. After that, they made some with the same arm and styling that had the 3-size index. You can tell the newer ones because the control knobs are on the right.

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 10:16 pm
by Bobby Basham
Take a peek at these...they will help to determine what changer you have. You need to get the number off the cartridge to find a replacement stylus. Sorry if they're not properly labeled

If you remove the back, you should find a small date sticker on the radio chassis to give you a clue of its vintage, as in this case of October, 1965. You may need a small mirror and a flashlight to get up in there. The W800 series looks very similar to the W600 series with the exception of the square corners and using a square, rectangular 45 adapter. I haven't taken mine apart, but the W800 may have only one idler wheel for the speed and change cycles.--BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Early 1960's.jpg
Early 1960's.jpg (80.08 KiB) Viewed 1730 times

Mid-Late 1960's.jpg
Mid-Late 1960's.jpg (78.74 KiB) Viewed 1730 times

Late-1960's.jpg
Late-1960's.jpg (68.7 KiB) Viewed 1730 times

Circa 1973-1974.jpg
Circa 1973-1974.jpg (57.97 KiB) Viewed 1730 times

Picture 4.jpg
Picture 4.jpg (60.62 KiB) Viewed 1730 times

Re: Magnovox Astro Sonic....What year is this please?

Posted: Wed Jul 03, 2013 5:20 am
by Phonomike
yours is probably late 60s. I saw someone posted a Magnavox French Provincial on here. Very Nice. but how does everyone like this "top of the line" Magnavox
"imperial" French Provincial?