Newbie moving a Rockola 444.

Hey everyone. I just bought a Rockola 444 and brought it home according to the suggestions I read on this forum. I've got the juke moved into the garage right now but I want to move it into my basement lounge. Problem is, the juke won't clear the beam above the basement steps while in the standing position. It's several inches too tall. I was wondering if I could slide this thing down the stairs on its side. After making some measurements, it will fit. My other idea is to disassemble the unit. It currently operates good and I'd like to keep it that way. I appreciate your suggestions!

Good question. Assuming it has the same mechanism as my 425 make sure you tighten the four mechanism bolts down all the way. They lock the springs that let the mechanism float. Take the turntable platter off. Tie the tone arm down. Strap any cables down that may be laying on the bottom of the cabinet. Take the records out and pray. Be oh so gentle. I believe your baby weighs about 335 pounds, so I would staff your move accordingly. Another idea would be to remove the mechanism and then do the stair thing. Just what I would do. Ron Rich can answer better than I.

To add to the above-
Remove records, if still in phono, check that all "components" are secured to the cabinet, lock all doors, keep phono as up-right as possible---Ron Rich

Thanks fellas! All the records are removed and It's currently pretty locked down inside now as I put it in that state for the road trip home. I think I'll double check inside and make sure everything is tied down, get several friends to come over and slide it down the stairs on some carpet.

If you are so inclined, please let us know how the move went!

Trying to figure out how to get my NSM in basement currently, wife not happy it is in living room.

My problem, not enough hands/strong people to help out

Tim

Did you get your Rockola 444 moved?

I just got it moved last night. I went ahead and finished the basement first before moving the Juke. I ended up using a couple of tow straps, a big tree and a come-a-long to slide the thing on its side down the stairs on a piece of plywood. Everything went off without a hitch! After cutting everything I tied down loose, It fired right up and worked great! Thanks for all the help! Now reading about updating the lubrication.

WoW--It's been 9 months since you posted that--were you waiting for that tree to grow large enough ??
Glad you have accomplished that move !! Ron Rich

Nah, I really wasn't ready for it when I bought it. I've been spending my spare time remodeling the house. The price was just so good, I couldn't pass it up!

Awesome! Glad the move went well.