Webcor Overture pics and questions...

Hello!

New to the forum and seeking some help.

I just purchased a vintage 50's Webcor Overture model 1965 (see pics). Plays 16 2/3, 78, 45, and 33 1/3. Automatically switches between each when playing several speeds sequentially. Included original manual, warranty card, licensed dealer/service listing, and accessories.



Condition is really great (after LOTS of cleaning! I haven't had a chance to clean much of the cabinet's interior yet) and unit functions, but I have a few questions I hope everyone can help with. I haven't owned a record player since I was a kid, so bear with me!

1. Vacuum tubes appear to be original and functioning and they retain the Webcor label. Should I replace them?
2. When first started, the unit runs a little slow, and the automatic record drop-down and movement of the tone arm are quite slow and sometimes stick. With adequate "warm-up" time (approx. 10 min) these functions are much smoother and quicker, and the speed of the turntable is correct. Is this to be expected, or will servicing correct these issues? Any ideas for anything I can do to correct this?
3. Are parts/servicing difficult to come by? I have located tubes (if needed) and needles. I live in St. Louis and would preffer local servicing if possible. I am growing rather fond of this little unit and hope to have it running perfectly.
4. Just for general info, how did Webcor compare to competitors in its day?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give!

Nate

Very nice indeed. To really do right by this unit you should have the amplifier re-capped and give it a good once-over twice. If the tubes test o-k, keep them. The turntable probably wants a good cleaning and re-lubing. Also the rubber idler wheel is probably dried out so a good cleaning down to the good stuff should work. If not it may have to be recovered. A new needle may be in order if you plan on playing records on it as well you may. That's what it's there for, right? Good luck.

Thom,

Thanks for the advice. I was able to remove the platter and lubricate, as well as remove some "idler residue" from the inner rim. What a difference! This has eliminated my "warm-up" time, and occasional sticking. Iplan on ordering a new needle this week

I have seen idler cleaner on some websites. Is it ok to use, and does it work? The idlers seem to appear in decent shape.

Can you elaborate on re-capping the amp?

Thanks, again!

-Nate

As the amplifier ages the paper and electrolytic capacitors go out of spec and /or short out. The ceramic ones, they look like little discs, should be o-k. This is why you often hear a hum in the speaker when you turn these old units on. Radios do the same thing. So, when you get one of these units it is best to replace the paper and electrolytic capacitors to bring it back to spec. Old capacitors are also a safety concern. There is a good deal of information on capacitor replacement on the net and even in this forum, (look in the archives). I'll send some useful links when I can. If you didn't think you were bargining for this when you started don't be nervous. It's not all that difficult, I learned, and the sense of accomplishment will make you feel great.

As for idler cleaners, I have used a brand called Vita-Drive with great results, however some rubber is so bad that it will not respond to a cleaner and needs to be recovered. There are services available for that should you need it. Best.

Thanks for the tips on the amp. I will look into it.

Another question for anyone who can help:
First of all, here is the information in the owners manual regarding needle/cartridge

NEEDLE--Sonotone N-8T-S (.7mil sapphire tip, 3mil sapphire tip). Sonotone N-8T-SD (.7 mil diamond tip, 3 mil sapphire tip).

CARTRIDGE--Sonotone 8-T4-S (for .7 mil sapphire tip, 3 mil sapphire tip). Sonotone 8T4-SD (for .7 mil diamond tip, 3 mil sapphire tip).

The needle that it came with has one side for LP, the other LPs (which I believe is the sapphire tip?)

Also included with this unit was an old Pfanstiehl package (804-SS7) from previous owner. Both sides sapphire.

I just ordered a replacement needle (804-DS77) with sapphire on one side, diamond on the other. Both are .7 mil

Here are my results after testing on a crappy record:
Sapphire tip plays wonderfully but I know will not last as long.
Diamond tip makes horrible scratching sound and actually scraped off some of the vinyl (ouch!)

Am I missing something here? The back of my new needle specifically says it replaces the type listed in the owners manual. My thought was that with the diamond tip, replacement would be less frequent. Any help greatly appreciated

Sounds like you got a bad needle. Both tips are the same except for the composition and yes the diamond will give longer service. Before you have the needle checked, make sure that when you flip it to the diamond tip that it is excactly vertical, (the tip that is.) and when it is on the record that nothing else is touching the record ie; the cantilever etc. Keep in mind that both tips will play only LPs (microgroove) and 45s as you state they are .7mil. If you intend to play any 78s you will need a 3mil tip.

It must have been the needle. I got another replacement yesterday with perfect results, and thanks again for the advice!

Nate

Use Caig CaiKleen RBR to clean the idler wheel. It brings back bad wheels, as long as they don't have gouges in them.

The Webcor changer mixes 33 and 45 records, setting to 33 for 10'' and 12'', and to 45 for 7'' records. It will not change speeds in the 16 or 78 position.

I never heard of a stylus failing that way. Instead, the cantilever may have been knocked out of the cartridge saddle.

I didn't realize my original post had implied that the changer would select for all cycles. Oops .

I finally received some idler cleaner today by coincidence, and the results seem great!

After lubrication, I was still experiencing slightly slow playing speed without letting the unit run for several minutes. I applied the idler cleaner today, and the speed was correct as soon as the unit was turned on. This made me very happy!

I am wondering how often I will need to repeat this process? It isn't difficult, so I don't mind having to do it regularly but I am just curious.

-Nate

Once a year might be too often. I usually do it every other year.

I realized my old photos aren't working for my original post here...so I'm adding some new ones. We're still fully operational and enjoying every bit of the Webcor!




Since my original post, I piced up a matching Webcor "Stereo Mate" speaker (not pictured) that sits in the closet adjacent to the console. I now have stereo sound and also connected everything to the computer for online radio, and digital playback, etc. as well.