Zenith console question/identification

Hi,

New to the forum here. I've collected vinyl for a while but am looking to identify an old Zenith console I bought at an antique store.

Anyone have any advice on fixing a low rumble sound made when using turntable?

Only other issue is that the tone arm doesn't start at beginning of record but about an inch in, why would it do this?

Any information/suggestions on model/issues appreciated.

thanks

Nice console.
Roughly about 45 years old.

And now that VM-made changer is way overdue for a complete overhaul.
Best to have it done, then enjoy it for decades more.

thanks for the reply, do you have knowledge on repairs/overhauls on these things? specifically what it might need? If not, could you refer me to someone who could help me get this thing running like new again? If its not too involved I might could do it, otherwise I would have a tech look at it.

thanks!

vianealluv wrote:thanks for the reply, do you have knowledge on repairs/overhauls on these things? specifically what it might need? If not, could you refer me to someone who could help me get this thing running like new again? If its not too involved I might could do it, otherwise I would have a tech look at it.

thanks!

The thing is, it IS an involved procedure, I've done tons of them. (see my listing --->)
Unless you're completely familier with the mechanism's of VM record changers, I'd suggest having it done.
Flushing out of the old lubrication, re-lubing with the proper lubricants, replacement of deteriorated rubber parts, new stylus if needed, calibration/adjustment of mechanism - all needed to be done.

vianealluv wrote:...could you refer me to someone who could help me get this thing running like new again? ...
thanks!

Where are you located?

.

thanks for the replys, I take it more than a platter mat will be required

I live in western North Carolina.

2/13/2013 Edit: added youtube video recorded with computer cam; sorry quality is poor but you can hear the noise I'm referring to at about 13 seconds and 1:14.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPr8RSNd6Js

If you are placing a 12" record on the turntable and starting the changer, the arm will set down for a 10" record (one inch in). This is normal operation. The changer was not designed to play a single record already on the turntable. A 12" record must be dropped from the spindle during that change cycle for the arm to set in the correct place.

Because this is a changer that can take 10" and 12" records intermixed, the 12" record is felt while it drops down the spindle. It hits the little black flag near the back of the tonearm as it falls. If the record is already on the turntable, this impulse is missing, and the changer chooses 10" because the record is resting on the little button on the turntable. If no record rests on the button, the arm indexes for 7" records.

Set the record on the spindle ledge, put the overarm on top of the record, and start the changer. The arm will set down for a 12" record. And if the overarm was on the record when you started it (and you leave it there), the changer will shut off after the last record plays.

Nice, good information. thank you very much. I've actually had the turntable out to try to identify possibly where it may need lubrication or be noisy... but I have no idea..

Anyone know any specific areas I could check/lubricate??
thanks

vianealluv wrote:Nice, good information. thank you very much. I've actually had the turntable out to try to identify possibly where it may need lubrication or be noisy... but I have no idea..

Anyone know any specific areas I could check/lubricate??
thanks

I'll say that specific points that need addressing cannot be seen just scoping out underneath the changer.
Dissasembly is required of certain mechanisms, in order to fully clean out and relubricate these hidden parts. THE OLD GREASE HAS NOW TURNED TO GLUE AFTER 50 YEARS.
And if you do not know the proper sequence and re-assembly procedure of said assemblies, then I strongly suggest to take it someone who does these.

Otherwise, you'll wind up being frustrated and with a heap of metal parts not worth a damn.

Diddling with it isn't a proper and long-lasting fix.

MattTech wrote:

vianealluv wrote:Nice, good information. thank you very much. I've actually had the turntable out to try to identify possibly where it may need lubrication or be noisy... but I have no idea..

Anyone know any specific areas I could check/lubricate??
thanks

I'll say that specific points that need addressing cannot be seen just scoping out underneath the changer.
Dissasembly is required of certain mechanisms, in order to fully clean out and relubricate these hidden parts. THE OLD GREASE HAS NOW TURNED TO GLUE AFTER 50 YEARS.
And if you do not know the proper sequence and re-assembly procedure of said assemblies, then I strongly suggest to take it someone who does these.

Otherwise, you'll wind up being frustrated and with a heap of metal parts not worth a damn.

Diddling with it isn't a proper and long-lasting fix.

Certainly, I don't want that. I have two excellent technicians that I trust for electronic related repairs (of the tv/amplifier sort) but I am quite certain record player consoles are not something they often deal with so I may be stuck with it, as is.

There are really only two gripes I have with it; the noisy mechanism I suspect may be from being hardened lube and the treble response is weak. Otherwise it has a nice full, warm sound with nice bass.

I gave $50 for this console. Could anyone put a market value on this thing?

Oh and anyone think a platter mat would help the noise?

Your console is a 1969 model. As Mattech said, TT will need an overhaul and will perform for another 45 years.
The most likely cause of the rumble is the idler wheel which can be purchased at thevoiceofmusic.com.

If you are complaining about noises during the change cycle, V-M changers are inherently noisy, making gronks, clicks, and clinks during the cycle. Anyone used to a Collaro will notice the extra noises. RCA changers are even noisier.

orthophonic wrote:Your console is a 1969 model. As Mattech said, TT will need an overhaul and will perform for another 45 years.
The most likely cause of the rumble is the idler wheel which can be purchased at thevoiceofmusic.com.

thanks, good to know. Any idea what model this would be? I will look up the idler wheel. Hoping I can work on this my self because I don't believe there is anyone in my area that works on this type thing really.

Record-changer wrote:If you are complaining about noises during the change cycle, V-M changers are inherently noisy, making gronks, clicks, and clinks during the cycle. Anyone used to a Collaro will notice the extra noises. RCA changers are even noisier.

Not so much the changing as the noise when playing a record.

Judging from that video, that changer's in need of some serious servicing.
It shouldn't even land on a record with the stabilizer arm down over the record.
It should shut off, arm on the rest post, period.
Parts of the mechanism are binding up, causing this issue.

Also, the landing is way off - looks like someone apparently messed with the adjustment.

That said, it's best to have a pro service it, to perform as intended, unless this thread/topic is to go on endlessly.