My RCA Victrola New Vista Model VGT 61W

Hey all, just got a great RCA Victrola New Vista Model VGT 61W. It is cherry and has all working parts except or the needle. I need to replace the needle and fix one lose wire (it only plays out of one speaker). The machine has not been touched since the 1960s - my friend's mom's home was basically a museum of the 1960s. Time just froze and it wasn't used. Except for some dust, it is in showroom condition.

1. Serial Number 60-4526 Model 8 43
2. Needle area says 16277 001 204-2 RCA
3. Needle area hangs down. Is this normal?

How hard would this be to fix and get a new needle?

Thanks so much for the help!

Here are some pix/

A while ago someone wrote this:

Recently Purchased RCA VGT 61W HELP!

Postby Lucky_1386 » Sun Oct 10, 2010 2:26 am
We recently purchased an RCA console phonograph, AM/FM console unit. We are trying to locate some or ANY information about it. We have to replace the cartridge, but we were informed we need the "keeper" a small u-shaped plastic piece that holds the cartridge in the tone arm. Are replacements for those available? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

The reply he got was...

You must mean VJT, not VGT.

It's a transistorized "New Vista" model made around the late 60's.
Not particularly valuable. Thrift stores sell them for $20.
As for the "floating cartridge" retainer.... good luck.
Best thing to do is get a small strip of doubesided foam weatherstrip and stick it up inside the headshell and stick the cartridge against it.

Being 40+ years old, anticipate future repairs on it.

User avatar
MattTech
Senior Member

But it WAS a VGT! That's what I have also. How can this be fixed?

Those cartridge retainers, once lost to prying fingers or careless handling, are basically unavailable, as I mentioned before.
RCA Victor is long gone, and so are certain replacement parts - unless a parts unit can be found somewhere.

Alternatives are to fashion something suitable by someone skilled.

The tonearm on those was designed to have the cartridge "float" on the record, with a small felt pad on the retainer.

A shot in the dark but, take the back off of the unit and look carefully for this retainer. It is possible that when the piece flew off it found it's way under the changer and into the cabinet below. Barring that, if it were me I would design and make a retainer but then I love doing stuff like that.

Thom wrote:A shot in the dark but, take the back off of the unit and look carefully for this retainer. It is possible that when the piece flew off it found it's way under the changer and into the cabinet below. Barring that, if it were me I would design and make a retainer but then I love doing stuff like that.

Good point thom, except it's not that easy.
Reason being, the changer itself will have to be removed, because it's sitting on a plastic pan.
If the retainer DID fall beneath the changer, it would be sitting in the pan, not accessable from inside the console.

I know nothing about this--but I have a (crazy ?) idea. How about using "Velcrow" to fashion a cartridge retainer that will allow some "float" ?? Ron Rich

the needle itself seems to be gone. Does the whole arm need replacement or can I find a new needle somewhere?

Sonoradude wrote:the needle itself seems to be gone. Does the whole arm need replacement or can I find a new needle somewhere?

The first thing you need to do is either locate a retainer, or have one fashioned.
The cartridge and changer itself, cannot perform properly without it.
It HAS to be able to float inside the tonearm on it's pivot pin, without restriction.
The retainer rides on the record with a tiny pad of felt, and allows the stylus to pivot and track at the proper pressure to avoid record groove damage.

You can try Gary Stork at his http://www.thevoiceofmusic.com site, and ask if he's familier with the missing retainer, he does carry replacement needles for that model cartridge.

Additionally, those record changers always require an overhaul to perform properly.
I've rarely seen one that doesn't after 40, years of neglect.

MattTech:

I am excited (hopefully for a good reason). I just found this little black piece in the cabinet. I am enclosing two pix for you.

Is this the retainer? It doesn't seem broken at all.

If it is, how and where do I attach it to make it work? is that I will need to do to get up and running?

Thanks!

Lucky you!

1) The cartridge is lifted up into the tonearm headshell and held in place.
2) the retainer is slid carefully up the front edge of the headshell with that pointed "arrow" /\ outside the front - facing upwards until it seats. - held in place by friction.
3) the cartridge now can pivot freely up and down (you can test that with your finger)
The projection on the lower inside of the retainer limits the cartridge's front tip from lowering too much.
The upwards "arrow" is a visual indicator on the front of the arm used to place the arm on a record manually.
If there is ANY friction, even slight, while moving the whole arm horizontally/sideways - the lubicant is dried-up and the changer will require complete servicing - not a job for a novice.
Once a new needle is installed, if the changer does not cycle or trip after automatically playing a record - the changer will need servicing.

The same applies if ANY noise is heard from the motor, or if the speeds are not correct.

My problem is that the cartridge does not seem to fit in the head. it is actually LARGER (???). The cartridge extends a little bit beyond the tip of the head when pushed up, so it doesn't go inside. Do you know how to fix this? I will try and upload a pic or video very soon.

EDIT: Video just uploaded to Youtube: http://youtu.be/YxpLqk2y2vo

Eureka! The last person to mess with the cartridge (possibly in the 1960s) didn't put in in correctly. Instead of placing the bottom bar in the notch, they just tried to pop it in.

I fixed it! Now the cartridge "floats" and the little black retainer is holding it perfectly. Now all I need is a needle! Yee ha!

Ps. How hard is it to replace a needle?

Sonoradude wrote:Eureka! The last person to mess with the cartridge (possibly in the 1960s) didn't put in in correctly. Instead of placing the bottom bar in the notch, they just tried to pop it in.

I fixed it! Now the cartridge "floats" and the little black retainer is holding it perfectly. Now all I need is a needle! Yee ha!

Ps. How hard is it to replace a needle?

Ok, last info:
Once a new needle is gotten, it simply snaps in under the spring-brass clip.

Needle works! Plays LPs beautifully. The only problem I have now is that the right (facing the machine) speaker is VERY faint. Took the back off, all the wires seem to be in great condition. In fact, most of the components look factory fresh as it has not been played since the 1960s.

Any thoughts?

I really do appreciate all your help, Matttech.

Find a local tech.
It's frustrating and really impossible to diagnose some things over the internet.

If it were in my shop, and the chassis was on my bench, I'd know.