W2500

I'm working on a Wurlitzer 2500 for a neighbor. The machine selects, loads the record, but the sound cuts in and out. If I touch any of the tonearm wiring, the mute/play switch or tubes in amplifier, I get a noticable hum. Also the record won't cancel unless I trip the switch behind the turntable support. I suspect an adjustment will resolve that issue.

The owner said it played perfect at the shop he purchased it from, -and started acting up as soon as he got it home. He said that we put it in the bed of his truck in upright poition to transport home. He did not get a manual with the unit, -nor do I have one. Not sure where to start on diagnosing the cause. Can anyone help me troubleshoot this?

Thanks
Tom

Tom, those machines used a ceramic pickup and it plugs into the front of the amp.

I suggest trying a substitute source on the amp by plugging in a tuner, 'pod, or cd player where the two wires from the pickup plug in. Put the machine in play and see what happens. Keep the volume control at a low setting to start with because most sources will be stronger than the phono's cart and a sudden blast could damage the speakers.

Normally it would be unusual for both stereo channels to go intermittent at exactly the same time, but this machine's pickup uses only three terminals (if original), if the center common loses contact you'll have both hum and cancellation of most, but not all sound.

Also, check all plugs are fully in their sockets. Even if the machine was transported upright, it will still have bounced around.

Amp schematics are here: http://www.verntisdale.com/Wurlitzerschem.htm

Rob/NYC

Hi All,
I think that this should be filed under "Murphy's Law", aka. "Stuff" happens--
ALL equipment should be PROPERLY "tied down for shipment", as per makers specs., prior to transport !!
In the case of WurliTzers of this era, I have found the following "damages" that were due to failure to tie it down. One or more of the 4 "suspension springs" dis lodged or at least "cocked" (BTW--these springs should be installed with the cone, or small, end down). If not secured, the tone arm "pressure spring" ( made of un-obtainium) either cocked ( you hope !!), or missing ( good luck finding it !). If the phonograph was transported in the "play position", and the tone arm not tied, it "bounces around" against the end of record "reject" switch ( once again, made of un obtanium)--bending the trip wire. I strongly suspect that this, and maybe the pressure spring, is the problem in this particular phono. Another "problem", I have seen, when the basket is not properly secured is, the "back stop pawls" are damaged. Also have seen cases of a phono transported with selection pins released, the "load-play lever" not secured in the load position, and the basket not secured. In these cases, the basket can spin and the crank arm will smash against a selected pin, and bend it-- Ron Rich