Phonoland

Just wondering if anybody would have any information on this sterio such as year , value. Not sure If I should keep it or not. My parents purchased the sterio when they got married then my grandmother got it when my parents divorced. I was born in 1962 so I am almost sure it should be dated within 5 - 10 years of that time. The sterio is in excellent condition, however it is missing the needle. Also can anyone tell me where a needle can be purchased for this sterio? I can take a photo of it if anyone needs to see what it looks like. Thanks in advance to whoever might answer
Tracy

Dennis wrote:Tracy I have just inherited the same stereo from my father. He and mother bought theirs in 1962 when it was manufactured so I believe it might have been the same year you were born. I know this reply comes nearly 8 years late but I thought I'd try. I never saw another one like this and it is unique in that manner. I think these stereos would be worth quite a bit if in mint condition like mine. No scratches, blemishes, like new finish and is in excellent working order. Phonograph record needles shouldn't be that hard to find, I would think. Do you still have yours?
Dennis

Dennis, my parents also owned a 3Vf619 - in cherry french provincial - bought new in 1963.
I also aquired one myself back in 2010 off a local guy.

Now mind you this stereo is now 52 years old, and while the outsides may "look" outstanding, the "insides" are most likely a ticking time bomb if it's continued to be used.
Mine certainly was, and I'll have to say that ANY others out there are also in need of restoration by now. - regardless of previous use or care - age still takes a toll on internal parts.
I'm lucky to be an experienced service/restoration tech, and I basically only wanted the "guts" out of the console for use in a smaller (custom-made) RCA console for my home.
The power transformer in those sets are not fused, and if and when a component failure should happen, it'll wipe out that transformer - which I've checked by the way and is NOT replaceable - it's a special rated transformer custom-made for that set. (although it was used in older RCA Victor tube-type television sets of the era as well)
So while mine is now safe, reliable, and happy, and I've got the peace of mind knowing it'll survive another 50 years, I'd highly recommend that you invest in getting yours done as well, before anything happens.
Other issues in that stereo are leaking capacitors, and numerous resistors feeding power to the tubes going sour - this will cause noticable tuner problems, as well as causing tubes to fail prematurely.

The Studiomatic record changer in those also needs attention - lack of lubrication will ruin those motors - I've seen it happen due to neglect many times in my shop.

-Matt