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Rowe R-91 Jukebox help....

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 5:25 am
by logisticmode
Hi I just picked up a Rowe R-91 Jukebox on a whim and want to restore it............
I know little to nothing about it but do know it needs a new needle and new speakers......everything else seems to be in good working order.......

any suggestions of what replacement needle/sylus and speakers I can buy online.......does not have to be originals.........if someone could give me specs i would appreciate.....

TIm

Re: Rowe R-91 Jukebox help....

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 6:52 am
by Ron Rich
Tim,
What makes you think the speakers need replacement ? That would be "rare" to say the least. I would not replace them under most circumstances. If "bad"they should be re-coned, as they are designed as part of the total sound system, and there is no "replacement" speaker made, IMHO. Needle is a Sure 44--available at www.needles4jukeboxes.com.
If it "sounds bad" after replacing the needle, I would suspect that the amplifier should be repaired--
Ron Rich

Re: Rowe R-91 Jukebox help....

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:37 am
by ami-man
Hi Tim,

I totally agree with Ron re the speakers. If they are the type with the foam surrounds and they have rotted you can get new surrounds in a kit form from a number of dealers (I get mine from Holland or the USA) this assuming that the paper cones are intact and there is not a problem with the voice coils. If the cone is damaged you would have to have them re-coned.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

Re: Rowe R-91 Jukebox help....

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 1:39 pm
by logisticmode
Thanks all for the help.......I will surely need more.

I am not sure the speakers were bad just told that by the owner I got it from who was told that by the uncle who used the unit for years........

When I plugged the unit in the amp made a TERRIBLE loud noise..........so I am not sure if the speakers are even hooked up right or at all........any suggestions on the noise, is that a good sign..

I am clueless what I am doing but it should be fun trying to make this work!

The cartridge looks as it is sideways in the arm.....is that odd......shouldnt it fit straight with needle........there is no needle....

Thanks for all your help!

Tim

Re: Rowe R-91 Jukebox help....

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 5:18 pm
by Ron Rich
Tim,
Generally speaking, "solid state commercial amps" will go "thump" rather loudly, when first plugged in. This is "normal". "Loudness" of the "thump" will vary somewhat with the volume control setting at the time power was removed. There should be no audio after the initial "thump". If there is further "noise", unplug the amp to prevent further (more expensive) damage.
Cartridge in "sideways"? Nope--that's not right. It should appear "backwards", however, on that model. Connections should be at the "outside tip" of the tone arm--needle should "point" inward.
I would strongly suggest that if you have the books that came with the phonograph, you take some time to read them--If you do not have them, I would strongly suggest you purchase a set from one of the "legit" sellers listed above, in the "announcement--where to find--" section just above this post.
I suggest, that being "clueless" and "trying to make it work" is a dangerous combination, which, in most cases, only adds to the original problems. I suggest reading the books first, then asking any questions you are not sure of, be next--then you can fix, rather then add to, the problems you might have.
Ron Rich

Re: Rowe R-91 Jukebox help....

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:45 pm
by logisticmode
i agree Ron and thanks for being honest..........i have a set on order of the manual/parts list and have a needle ordered as well.....

the noise heard when the box is plugged in is loud and constant.........could that mean the amp is bad?

will the manual show what all is supposed to be plugged in where.......also is there somewhere I should ground the unit? maybe that is causing the issue with the loud hummmmmm

Thanks
TIm

Re: Rowe R-91 Jukebox help....

Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 12:19 am
by Ron Rich
Tim,
IMHO, you have about a 99.9 % chance that there are internal problems in the amp. If you are skilled in solid state repairs, they are not the worst ones to repair--If not, I suggest that it be sent out to someone like myself, that has lots of experience with them. (if you wish to send it to me, shoot me a PM)
The manual for that model, shows an overall cabinet wiring diagram, I think--
As for "grounding"--there should be a three wire mains plug on the phono--since you did not state in your profile, I have no idea where you live, nor the voltage / Hertz combination used--No other "grounding" is necessary, and in fact, that Rowe model will usually operate just fine, even with the safety ground broken off the AC cap.
--and,Oh, BTW--I attempt to be honest at all times, as I have found that when I'm not, I can not remember my lies ! ( Old age, you see !) :roll:
Ron Rich

Re: Rowe R-91 Jukebox help....

Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 12:47 pm
by ami-man
Hello Tim,

Ron is correct alter your profile so we can see where you live, this forum is a world wide forum so we have members from all over the world.

If we know what country we can best advice you where to get help, spare parts or repairs done.

Ron how old are you? I knew once but I have forgot, as you say its an age thing.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

Re: Rowe R-91 Jukebox help....

Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 5:44 pm
by Ron Rich
Hi Alan,
You know what--I flunked math in school, so, I really can't count high enough to tell you my age--
69--going on 70, real quick--if I live long enough-- :?:
Ron

Re: Rowe R-91 Jukebox help....

Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2012 1:37 am
by logisticmode
you all are funny...........and i love the candor...

I am 38 from Atlanta, GA

I have not had time to look at the box in last few day and wont any this week or weekend as work is crazy and I will be out of town....

i will post more when i get back into it........

THANKS AGAIN TO YOU BOTH for your help!

Ill need it!
Tim

Re: Rowe R-91 Jukebox help....

Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2012 12:14 pm
by ami-man
Hi Tim,

Thank you for your reply with your location, I would suggest that you contact Ron off of the list should you require him to work on your jukebox parts.

Keep us posted with the progress made, it may be prudent to upload some pictures of the tone arm and cartridge so we can see what you mean with regards to the cartridge being sideways.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

Re: Rowe R-91 Jukebox help....

Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2012 10:29 pm
by logisticmode
great idea on the arm. I will do that....

when i get some free time (it will be days)

i will plug in the box and make a small video so you all can hear sound and give me an idea where to start.....

can videos and pictures be uploaded on here?

thanks again for all the help!