Wurlitzer Americana Model 3300

Just recently, after a record completes playing, the needle stays on the record longer than usual making god awful thumping noise whereas before it would change to a new record shortly after the record completed playing. Is this a trip switch adjustment? and if so, is it easy to do?

Things rarely require an 'adjustment" -when problems occur something has failed.

On the back of the machine, near the volume control is a silver button that rejects the record. Press it an see of the record is removed.

If record is removed. It is likely that the trip switch is failing though it may then continue to work erratically for some time.

If the record is not removed when the reject button is pressed, remove the lower rear door of the machine and locate the two switches just to the right on the rear-center mechanism support. These will have two metal arms connected to cams on the center shaft of the mechanism. Carefully tap-jog these switches (with power on and record spinning) and see if the mech takes-off. If it does, that means one switch has failing contacts. If the switches are of the open contact type it should be possible to clean and if necessary, de-pit the contacts. If the switches are of the sealed box type, replacement is necessary. Look also to be sure the over-center springs on those switches are there. These are right under the switch paddles.

Also, check the changer motor. these motors are under considerable strain when removing a record and pulling down the lift arms. Broken gears can occur. At the bottom of the motor is a knurled knob, this is to allow the motor to be turned manually for servicing purposes. See if it turns the gears, of if (hopefully not) it is jammed. If jammed, the motor will probably be hot and humming. If gears are stripped the motor itself will spin but nothing will move.

Given that this machine is now approx. 45years old a general cleaning-overhaul and amp rebuild are long past due.

Rob/NYC