Continental Jukebox

Hi everyone,

Hope someone may assist me.

I have a AMI Continental jukebox with the original valve amp, and want to convert it to solid state. Do I simply remove the existing amp and install a modern amp?

Then remove the existing needle and all the connecting wires and replace with the new one (from my new turntable) and run the wires right through the jukebox and join to the new amp? I assume I need to pull the relevant parts from the turntable and install them somehow. This will probably destroy the new turntable.

Then do I run the amp wires from my new amp to new stereo speakers? (that I also need to install)

Will the rest of the jukebox still run? By that I mean the turntable will still turn as normal when I select a song (does it connect to the old amp) and the song cancel button still work?

I intend to keep the original parts but modernise the sound.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Gordo.....

Gordo,
IMHO, you really don't want to attempt that-- "home" amps and "tone arms" are not compatible with the whole system!
I think that should you attempt that, you will find that you will have "tracking problems, cut-off", and "muting" problems coming out the "waszoo".
I know that would not attempt it, and I have been working on jukes for over 40 years-- Ron Rich

Not only that but it will kill the value. Not many, if any, will want to touch it if you ever want to sell it. Why would you want to change it? The couple of Continentals that I've heard had very good sound.

Thanks for you advice.

I thought the same way, however I have had the amp recapped, new valves and needle and the sound is still quite muffled and not too clear when compared to the SS amp.

What else can I try?

Regards

Gordo.....

Lots of things--first of all, you do not sate which Connie you have, and if it's stereo, mono or "stereo round".
Check to see that you have the correct amp installed, correctly, in it. Check to see if the cart is matched to the system, and tracking pressure is correct. Check to see if the speakers have been; wired wrong, replaced, or are bad. Have the amp re-built, not just "re-capped". Ron Rich

I've read some stuff on the Stereo Round system. It uses a very different way of hooking up the speakers and the cartridge is actually wired out of phase on purpose.

Thanks all for your responses.

You have convinced me not to give up. It is a mono Conti.

I have the manual, however it does not include a wiring diagram that shows what wires connect where on the amp. I may have the wrong wires connected at the terminal block.

Is this information available? The wiring is a bit brittle, so is it worthwhile replacing it?

How can I tell if the cartridge is the correct one?

Thanks Gordo......

Gordo,
Are you attempting to play stereo records ? (almost anything made after 1957, in the USA). Go to www.needles4jukeboxes.com and look at the photo's, to determine which cart is installed in the machine. If you have the Service Manual, I think the mono wiring is shown in the "K" model section--assuming you have a Conti 1, not a Conti 2. What wiring is "brittle" ?
Use caution when working around the tone arm--there is (supposed to be) a "helper spring" on it, that is REAL easy to loose ! Ron Rich

Thanks Ron,

I will check the manual. Although I looked through the manuals over the weekend and could not find anything more than wiring for inside the amp. Nothing for outside the amp. I may ask someone with a mono amp to send me a photo of their amp with the wiring connected as I have a few unused terminals.

The wiring from the amp to the speakers is old and brittle. It is also quite thin. Perhaps I should renew these as well.

I really appreciate everyone's help.

Thanks

Gordo......

Hi everyone,

I located a problem. The volume control switch was badly wired. I resouldered and reconnected with an improved result.

Thanks

Gordo.....

Hi Gordo, I have an AMI continental MK1 Mono and the sound quality never fails to amaze me and friends and family alike. I try to play mainly original issue 1950s/60s 45s which are in excellent condition. I have replaced the original cartidge with a new equivellant supplied here in the UK by 'THE JUKEBOXMAN'. Do a search for his website. There is also a lot of free hints and tips there for the jukebox collector which you might find useful. I have also replaced all cartridge wiring back to the amp with new shielded cable, doing away with the original plug-in connection setup located on the chassis. I had the amp checked over by a professional a couple of years ago. Although not much needed replacing. I have added new 6973 output valves and coupling capacitors have been replaced. A point to note here, be wary when buying new 6973 valves. As these are not too readily available and getting more and more expensive some of the substitute equivelants available will require jumpering a couple of the pins in the valve sockets. Just be careful though, as some uscrupulous dealers are trying to pass these off as genuine 6973s. My advice would be to buy from a reputable dealer and hopefully you should be able to buy with confidence. Leaking coupling capacitors can lead to damaged output valves and other expensive problems. Regarding brittle wiring. AMIs are famous for the original black 2 core wiring going brittle over the years and as a matter of priority I would have all this checked out and replaced as it may constitute a fire hazzard. I would pay particular attention to the wiring to the lights. I have replaced all of mine with new cables. As others have said on this list i would recomend not replacing the original with a modern amp. you will definately devalue the machine if you were to sell it. If you cant fix the amp yourself, it might be worth the effort and expense to have a professional look over it. A well set up continental playing a good condition original 45 is a joy to behold.

good luck

regards

Gary

Gary,

Thanks for your advice (and everyone else's advice as well). I will look to upgrading the cartridge.

The sound is good now and I need to start on the cosmetic side. Does anyone know of a website that has photos so I can get an idea of what colours look best?

I am thinking about a purple or blue paint with a soft grey deck.

Regards and Merry Christmas to all.

Gordo from Australia..........

Hi Gordo, Check out pinballrebel on the web. Here is a link. just click on the green text at the right hand side of each machine and you will get some pics. Not sure if you have a mark1 or mark2 continental, but both had different colour schemes. There are some paricularly good pics of an immaculate mark1. personaly, if it was me, I would try to stick to the original colour scheme.

good luck

Gary

http://www.pinballrebel.com/archive/ami/afeat.htm