Need help with my GE RC4100A Console Record Player

Hello,

I recently purchased this wonderful console record player from a second hand store, can't wait to spin my vinyl again! I need to replacement the power cord, the part that plugs into the back of the unit is fine, but it is missing the plug you put into an electrical outlet. I decided to attach a new plug and after I did, once I plugged it in it started to hum which got louder and louder, I could not turn this down with the volume knob, so I turned it off. Does anyone know why this is happening? And does anyone know where I can purchase a replacement cord? Does anyone know the age of this piece, I'm guessing 60's?

The people I bought it from said it worked fine last time they used it which was a long time ago, and all it needed was a new cord.

I'm posting some pictures to help, please take a look and let me know your thoughts.

Much appreciated,

Retrorona

Age takes its toll on vintage electronics.

It'll need a re-capping in order to play properly, as well as an overhaul of the record changer.
I would not plug it in until this is done, to prevent further damage.
The tubes will also need testing and replacement "if needed".

You didn't post your location. - that helps.

As far as my shop here, I'm kinda booked up for restorations for a while, due to my popularity.

Thank you for your advice.
I'm in Columbia, SC.
I didn't realize I was asking for a quote, I just noticed that at the top of my page, or does that just come with everyone's post?
I'm new here so I'm still learning this forum.

Retrorona,
You are confusing the meaning of "quote"-- In this case, it is not a request for a price, but a method of re-printing something said in another post, within your post. Ron Rich

Good to know!! Thanks Ron Rich!

Anybody out there know of a good and reliable repair tech for vintage console record players in the Columbia, SC area?

Hi any luck with this GE Console. I just recently picked up the exact same one, except the wood is darker. It all works to my wonderful surprise. I only paid $75 from the local Thrift Shop here in LA, CA. I really love this record player and am happy to play all my old records, sounds great. But the only problem is that it sort of sticks, and only will play through / change if you give it a little love... (a little push) It's no big deal, but I fear I'll break it if I keep having to "push" my records to get them to start up and spinning. Any ideas, anyone have some info for me. I looked inside and can not make heads or tails of what might need to be greased, and really don't want to break anything inside there.

Please help, i'm not really into looking like a rave DJ each time I want to play a record, giving it the "spin" ...

Thanks
Rob

bobbyK wrote:Hi any luck with this GE Console. I just recently picked up the exact same one, except the wood is darker. It all works to my wonderful surprise. I only paid $75 from the local Thrift Shop here in LA, CA. I really love this record player and am happy to play all my old records, sounds great. But the only problem is that it sort of sticks, and only will play through / change if you give it a little love... (a little push) It's no big deal, but I fear I'll break it if I keep having to "push" my records to get them to start up and spinning. Any ideas, anyone have some info for me. I looked inside and can not make heads or tails of what might need to be greased, and really don't want to break anything inside there.

Please help, i'm not really into looking like a rave DJ each time I want to play a record, giving it the "spin" ...

Thanks
Rob

Have it serviced by someone local. ASAP.
Don't expect anything 40+ years old to perform properly.
It may "work to your wonderful surprise" but won't for long - trust me.
Critical components in the amp chassis are way past their safety and service life.
I'd hate for you to experience that all-too-familier POP sound, or smoke pouring from the unit due to age & neglect.

Thanks a lot - these are good words of advice, and ones I needed to hear. I found a guy on Inglewood in west LA who says he can do the job if I take the player out of the console and bring it to him.... but there are just too many wires and things attached, looks like I'll bring the whole thing in one of these days. The wood is so nice and it makes a great piece in our living room, i'd like it to work and play for a long time to come.

Thanks Matt

There aren't too many wires... two connections to transfer the L/R cartridge signals to the preamp/amp, and some type of molex connection for the AC off/on. Remove the back, flip the mounting clips vertically so you can pull the changer right out. It's not rocket science if you take a peek at what's underneath. You can virtually remove the changer in seconds.

Don't transport that whole cabinet back and forth because you may gain a few more scratches and dings along the way. Look at the underside again. The rest of the console (radio, tape deck etc.) will still operate without the changer. Just my two cents.


BobbyB
Tucson, AZ

Bobby Basham wrote:There aren't too many wires... two connections to transfer the L/R cartridge signals to the preamp/amp, and some type of molex connection for the AC off/on. Remove the back, flip the mounting clips vertically so you can pull the changer right out. It's not rocket science if you take a peek at what's underneath. You can virtually remove the changer in seconds.

Don't transport that whole cabinet back and forth because you may gain a few more scratches and dings along the way. Look at the underside again. The rest of the console (radio, tape deck etc.) will still operate without the changer. Just my two cents.


BobbyB
Tucson, AZ

Picture 1.jpg

Bobby, I'm strongly suggesting that the WHOLE unit be gone over - not merely the changer.
That would be a half-assed "fix" and result in the electronics being neglected - prone to failure.
It's like changing only 3 of the 6 spark plugs in the car, just because 3 of them still fire - you just don't do it.

That appears to be a simple amp with just a few ceramic capacitors on the PC board and what appears to be a package circuit.

The hum will be caused by the failure of that large yellow/amber cylinder at the bottom of the amp. That filters the rectified AC .
This will have to be replaced by several separate electrolytic capacitors.

You might do a search for a local Ham radio club, most of these guys are from the tube era and should be able to handle this sort of repair easily.

While at it, ask the tech to add a 1 amp fuse to the power input on that amp. Those old units never had them and given that it is in a wood cabinet, its a good cheap protection from fire.

Rob/NYC