Phonoland

Hi! I purchased two cabinet phonographs with AM/FM receivers from estate sales for practically nothing. They need some work though, and I don't know where to start.

The GE has a pretty loud hum from the minute you turn it on. The turntable did work, but now the arm won't stay put on the record - it slides to the middle. The automatic changer doesn't work either. I can't find a model number or any ID marks anywhere.

The Magnavox radio works great except for the Stereo FM. No sound at all on that setting. The turntable does nothing when the knob is turned on. There is a model number: 16T285A (I think - the 6 could be an S and the 2 could be a 7).

I would be happy to pay someone to fix these if I could find someone to do it, but I haven't had much luck (in Memphis, TN). My plan B is to try to fix them myself, if I have some good advice. Anyone have any to offer?[/img]

The GE has no needle. It might have the stylus assembly, but the tip is broken off.

The Magnavox probably needs one of the following:

- A new idler wheel
- Motor lubrication
- Repair of the switch or wiring.

Thanks! Is there a place I can order the necessary parts from? Do you know if a manual exists for these?

Any idea why the GE hums? Is is a speaker issue perhaps?

Any suggestions are WELCOME!

Thanks

Speakers can't create hum.

Hum is usually caused by one of these:

- Bad power supply capacitors (these degrade slowly over time).

- Disconnected wire in wiring between record player and amplifier.

- Disconnected common wire elsewhere.

- Bad pickup cartridge.

- Heater to cathode short (tube).

- Short circuit.

- Coupling between pickup wiring and power line wiring.