Help finding a needle for Zenith Cobra Matic

ameileen · by **ameileen** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 5:20 am

I am new to the phonograph world and I'm trying to learn all I can! I recently was given a Zenith Cobra Matic phonograph and was told that everything works but I need to replace the needle. I have been looking and researching for over a week and am very confused on what I am supposed to get.
Here is a picture of the front of the record player and separate side speaker to the left of it.

Here is the stereo and record player

The record player itself is the standard black and gray turntable.

On the section of the neck where the needle or cartridge or stylus should be it says use 142-92 or 142-93, now I know this says cartridge but does it also mean needle? I couldnt find the 142-92 or 93 cartridge anywhere online, but I have seen one for the needle.

My husband unplugged the cords and took off the cartridge?? and here is a close up.

I think there is a needle on there now but its quite bent.
Hopefully someone can help me and I can post more pictures if needed. I could use any advice! Thank you!

by **Ron Rich** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 5:42 am

Did you check the FAQ-"where to buy needles" post, just above this one ?
Many places are listed--Ron Rich

ameileen · by **ameileen** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 5:49 am

I did but I am not sure if I need a cartridge or a needle. If you read the post I mention that it does say i need a 142-92 or 93 cartridge but I am not sure if what I have already is a cartridge and I just need a new needle or if I need a whole new cartridge? I'm really not sure because like I said I'm new to this so I dont really know what I'm working with in regards to the cartridge or needle or stylus or what not.
'

shedradios · by **shedradios** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 5:12 pm

Hi,
The numbers 142-92 and 93 on the cartridge are the Zenith cartridge numbers. The 26 is for the vendor/supplier, looking you will see EV which is Electro-Voice. Go to ebay, do a search on EV26 cartridge, include description in search, and you will see thousands of entries, or a few at least. This is to determine and learn what you needle looks like. You can buy wherever you like. I was going to photoshop your picture and show you the gold looking part is the snap-on needle, see it bent over to the side. Actually, your picture is not very good and part of cartridge may be boogered enough you will need to buy cartridge and needles. You need two needles, one silver, one gold. Now if you've been told your console is in good-to-go I don't think so or they could have taken care of your cartridge/needle problems. So I'm telling you to find out and if not you need to get your set gone over by a qualified tech.

ameileen · by **ameileen** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:31 pm

ok thanks for the help! one more question when buying a needle is there a way to know if I need the diamond or sapphire??

1958zenith · by **1958zenith** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 1:00 am

Hello, I have a zenith very close to that year, The cartridge that goes in there is a EV-26, Not a good cartridge at all, I replaced mine with a Sonotone 9T, which you can get a voiceofmusic.com, (voice of music). The cartridge is $30.00, well worth the investment, you will not believe the sound that will come out of this unit. Once u have installed this cartridge, you will need to lighten the arm a bit via a spring under the tonearm, The turntables used on zenith's in the mid to late 60's with the exception of a few that zenith made themselves, (Which were some of the greatest changers made in that era) are made by the voice of music company. I replaced my zenith tt cobra arm with a regular vm tonearm, the cobra arm is just a bit too heavy for me. I love these old zenith's. I have one with the remote speaker and amp, floor model. If you have any questions let me know. nothing like the warm tube sound.

1958zenith · by **1958zenith** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 1:02 am

Always go with a Diamond Stylus, they sound better and last longer.

ameileen · by **ameileen** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 1:29 am

Thanks for your help! I went to www.thevoiceofmusic.com and searched for the Sonotone 9T and they seemed to not have it in stock BUT I do believe I found the needle here...
http://www.turntableneedles.com/Needle-352_p_1035.html
and the cartridge here...
http://www.turntableneedles.com/ELECTRO ... _2852.html
the cartridge is quite expensive so I'm going to try and get the needle first. If that doesn't work well then I am going to get the whole cartridge.

1958zenith · by **1958zenith** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 3:55 am

I just checked that site, The prices are out of this world, you also can check ebay. I just replaced the stylus in my dual 1019 turntable $15.00. I Know for a fact if you get the 9t you will hear what those 4 speakers in the cabinet can do, sounds better than the FM radio, In order to get stereo you need a remote speaker with an amp, that's the way those units were set up to be. can use it as a mono unit or stereo,

shedradios · by **shedradios** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 3:58 am

"ok thanks for the help! one more question when buying a needle is there a way to know if I need the diamond or sapphire??"

Since you are back to needles. The EV26 takes two needles, one gold colored diamond tip for 33 & 45 play, get a Pfanstiehl 352-D7 or comparable. You need a Pfanstiehl 352-S3 sapphire silver colored one for 78 records. If you don't plan on playing 78 records use two diamond, flip cartridge ever so often, or just one diamond use all the time but don't flip!
Bill

1958zenith · by **1958zenith** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 5:37 am

Hello, I noticed the top of your spindle is broken, you can get them from voice of music also, Gary, the owner is very helpful with these parts.

shedradios · by **shedradios** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 3:20 pm

Good eyes 1958zenith. Really the OP's "been told it works" and no mention of radio/amp/changer (cycles proper or cartridge producing sound) working is a little shy of info. I hope the needle will do it. What is the model number of the console ameileen?
Bill

ameileen · by **ameileen** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 9:33 pm

actually I dont know. on the back where the label and model number are is ripped off, so I cant tell what model number it is.

1958zenith · by **1958zenith** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 10:48 pm

On most of the older zenith's it's on the inside of the cabinet, there should also be a diagram of the tube layout.

ameileen · by **ameileen** » Sat Dec 10, 2011 9:10 pm

Well I found the needle and it plays but sound is not coming out of the speakers now. We tried all the different ways the wires go on the back of the prongs but nothing is coming out of the speakers. I know for a fact that it is not the speakers because when we turn it to FM radio the speakers work quite well. Anyone have any suggestions??

Help finding a needle for Zenith Cobra Matic

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Help finding a needle for Zenith Cobra Matic

Electrically amplified phonographs or radio/phonographs and related components (approx. 1928-1990).

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