Help needed with RCA Victor 8HFP-1

Howdy everyone,

I recently acquired the previously mentioned record player and, I'll admit, I am very new to all of this. I know the timing seems fine (counted rotations without a record) and most parts seem to be in working order, but the stylus/needle/cartridge is very obviously in need of replacement. I tried to peruse the internet for replacements myself, but came up dry, even after finding an original parts list. Does anyone here know where I can find a replacement? I'd really like to be able to use my player with my father's old records.

Thanks in advance

--Horatius

Depending on where you live, I'd suggest locating a restoration service for getting the thing overhauled.
Just because "it spins" doesn't mean it'll continue to work.

There are safety issues related to old electronics that need attention immediately.

And if you value "dad's old records" and want them to last, the above comment is also true.

Would you drive a 50 year old car that hasn't been serviced?

Valid points. Any idea how much something like that would cost? I live in college station, texas (central texas), and I know there aren't any large record stores/music places with anything other than 'modern' equipment. I'm sure I could find one in Houston or Austin, but I'm fairly broke.

And I realize you are pushing the refurb route, but if yall have any idea where I could find the appropriate needle, I'd still like to know.

--Horatius

While I realize you're wanting the lesser cost route, and that's fine, once you do find a needle and continue to use the player as is, what thoughts would you have on it once a capacitor blows due to age or a bum selenium rectifier, and perhaps takes out a couple of tubes with it?

Those costs, trust me, will be much more.
Get it done right the first time and save yourself the aggrevation/frustration and costs later.

Thanks for your help. I was inspired to post on this forum by another thread where the assistance seemed a bit more positive, but thanks, again. Perhaps another site will be a bit more useful.

--Horatius

While I agree 100% with MattTech, you probably will find John at www.needles4jukeboxes.com will be able to find you a replacement needle/cart., as needed.
Ron Rich

Horatius wrote:Thanks for your help. I was inspired to post on this forum by another thread where the assistance seemed a bit more positive, but thanks, again. Perhaps another site will be a bit more useful.

--Horatius

My suggestions wern't positive or useful enough?

As an experienced electronics service technician, I get customers just like you who fail to heed my advice and insist on going the "cheap" route for whatever reason.
I usually wind up turning the job down and hoping they'll reconsider only because it's a shame to cut costs when dealing with vintage equipment...
They just don't want to hear the truth, remaining stubborn, only to come back later with ruined equipment that now has skyrocketed in repair costs....


I certainly don't like doing crappy restorations for my customers, it's not good for my reputation nor would I expect any less from someone doing work for me... I think that's quite positive enough.

But, good luck with your needle search, and I hope that thing holds up without costing you a lot later.

insist on going the "cheap" route for whatever reason.

Perhaps because they are b-r-o-k-e.

I understand that there are cheap people out there who have the money and chose not to spend it, however, that does not mean that everyone is that way. If this player breaks, and I of course hope it does not, I will not then chose it send it in for repairs. It will sit in my living room, broken, unused, because I am truly without the funds to send it in to a pro. Now, maybe in your opinion that makes me unworthy of having a record player, maybe I haven't 'earned' it. I think that idea is preposterous. However, feel free to buy my player from me if you think it's such a classic piece that I shouldn't damage...... I understand that sending it in is the best option.....if money is not an issue.

However, money is an issue for me. I can not (no, not will not, can not) afford to send it in to someone. So while you provided general and vague advice that does apply to basic situations where record players that need work, you honestly didn't help me what so ever. I attempted to be polite and thank you for doing what you thought was right, but -CENSORED- hell man, you're a snob. As an experienced electronic technician, I would have hoped you had learned by now to pull your head out of your ass and accept that 'should' and 'can' are two separate issues. I deal in a realm of reality that you seem unable to grasp, and in that reality your snobbery is worthless to me.

So, thanks, again, for doing what you thought was right. And thank you, Ron, for accepting that while my path of action isn't the one you prefer, sometimes that preference just isn't an option.

Seeing as no one else has had either the courage, interest, or desire to rebuke your arrogant stupidity, matt, I think I've had quite enough of this website.

--Horatius

If money is the issue, then the best course would be to let the player sit in your living room, unused, until the issue is surmounted. Your plan could lead to irreparable damage, or close to it. Sometimes it is best to avoid instant gratification for greater reward in the long run. It is not like if this one burns up, you can go out and buy another one at the big box store.

Brian McAllister wrote:If money is the issue, then the best course would be to let the player sit in your living room, unused, until the issue is surmounted. Your plan could lead to irreparable damage, or close to it. Sometimes it is best to avoid instant gratification for greater reward in the long run. It is not like if this one burns up, you can go out and buy another one at the big box store.

I agree Brian.
But alas, this "instant gratification" when challenged, often leads people to frustration, or as was posted, bitter language towards people "in the know".
That is the real reality.

My posts were towards a positive view, and getting the job done properly, even if it has to sit till funds are available.
Screw 'im.