Phonoland

Hi All,

I am a complete newbie to this so I thought I would post here to get some help. I found this Astro Sonic at a thrift store, and have been looking all over the internet to try and figure out what model it is. As far as I can tell, it's either a 1964 or 1965, although I wasn't able to find out much more than that. Also, I realized I probably should have removed the record before I took a photo! The turntable is an Imperial Micromatic. Any info or help would be greatly appreciated. I'm also looking for someone in the NYC area (Queens) that does restorations. Thanks in advance.

Libby

And there's NO label or stampings of any kind on the rear of this console to give you a clue?

I will state that it's an early solid state console, and if desiring to use it and have it perform reliably and safe, get it professionally restored. - it's 50 years old.

MattTech wrote:And there's NO label or stampings of any kind on the rear of this console to give you a clue?

I will state that it's an early solid state console, and if desiring to use it and have it perform reliably and safe, get it professionally restored. - it's 50 years old.

Hi Matt,

Thanks for your reply and advice. As mentioned in my previous post, I am looking for someone in the NYC area who can do restorations. I was able to determine from internet research that it is either a 1964 or 1965 solid state (apparently the gold bakelite tone arm is what differentiates it from later models). There are no labels or stamps anywhere to give a clue as to series or model unfortunately, which is why I thought I'd post here and ask around.

Thanks,
Libby

LibbyF wrote:

MattTech wrote:And there's NO label or stampings of any kind on the rear of this console to give you a clue?

I will state that it's an early solid state console, and if desiring to use it and have it perform reliably and safe, get it professionally restored. - it's 50 years old.

Hi Matt,
Thanks for your reply and advice. As mentioned in my previous post, I am looking for someone in the NYC area who can do restorations. I was able to determine from internet research that it is either a 1964 or 1965 solid state (apparently the gold bakelite tone arm is what differentiates it from later models). There are no labels or stamps anywhere to give a clue as to series or model unfortunately, which is why I thought I'd post here and ask around.
Thanks,
Libby

I've heard that it's impossible to find a decent restoration tech up in the NY area.
A few people have called me from NY who are interested in getting their stuff done over.
I'm so swamped with requests because of the lack of techs in my field, I can't keep up.
So I have to put people on a waiting list.

I wouldn't worry too much about the exact year this set was made, indeed it's an early-mid 60's unit.
A good tech doesn't need that info either, and goes by the chassis numbers in the set, most likely R-2xx something.

MattTech wrote:
I've heard that it's impossible to find a decent restoration tech up in the NY area.
A few people have called me from NY who are interested in getting their stuff done over.
I'm so swamped with requests because of the lack of techs in my field, I can't keep up.
So I have to put people on a waiting list.

I wouldn't worry too much about the exact year this set was made, indeed it's an early-mid 60's unit.
A good tech doesn't need that info either, and goes by the chassis numbers in the set, most likely R-2xx something.

Hi Matt,

Well, that is disappointing to hear that there aren't any decent restoration techs around NYC. I'm glad to hear that you are busy though, that is always a good thing. I'll let you know if I end up finding someone around here. Thanks again for your reply and advice. It would still be fun to know the exact year/series this thing is if anyone knows, just out of my own curiosity.

Thanks,
Libby

Hi Libby,
I just scrolled through the photo's, and noticed that you have the "instruction manual". By chance, is any model number (s?) listed in it ?? Ron Rich

Hi Ron,

Unfortunately, the manual isn't in the envelope, it's just the 5 year warranty certificate, and there is no model number on there. I wish I had the original manual!

Thanks,
Libby

The thing is, with those consoles, finding the "exact" year is like chasing rainbows. - unless an original Bill Of Sale is located.
And even then, it could have been purchased as a leftover model.
They ran a certain model number for SEVERAL years, perhaps 3-5, or more.
Don't get obsessed over it.

MattTech wrote:Don't get obsessed over it.

Matt,

I'm not obsessing over it.

Libby

If you are mechanically inclined and know how to use a soldering iron you could probably handle this yourself. There are sites which will walk you through this; we will here also. Dig around and see if you feel you are up to it. I would also check out youtube. The Sams photofact site will have the schemetic for you.

Given the changer installed in it, it dates from 1963-1966. The changers were different in 1967 and were cost cut with the single idler wheel and the slim head.

My Astro-Sonics Date from 1965 to 1968. I have a 1965 Astro-Sonic 100 Imperial (two woofers, FOUR horns, sealed speaker chambers with connecting acoustical tunnel) with the black curved tonearm. I also have two 1966 Astro-Sonic 100's that have the slender tonearm and still have the dual wheels. We're talking the W620 - W622 series. I don't know when they went to the single idler wheel, but my manual dates to 1969. I have about six smaller Astro-Sonic consoles and portables around 1968, and they all have either a W620 or W621 turntable which have the dual wheels. My 70's unit consoles, drumtables and credenza have the W700, W800 series turntables with the single idler wheel. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Hi Libby...

I believe you have an early solid-state unit dating around 1965. I have a similar unit with similar components.

Cabinets may have been used for several years, but if you take of the back and snoop around the radio chassis with a flashlight, you may be able to find some date stickers like these that date from October, 1965.




Mine also has the Imperial Micromatic with the taller spindle. The 45 adapter has a hole in the top for that spindle. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona