Phonoland

Hi everybody, I was on UTUBE today looking and listening to a restored 1961 AY 160. I noticed that the original (I think) red record playing arm had a "newer" type yellow needle playing the record. I have the same type of jukebox but it still has the original "T" type needles playing the records. As you know the "T" type needles are very expensive when you can find them at all. My needles are getting old. Anybody know anything about adapting the red arm to use the more readably available yellow type? If not, any information on modifying it to use any "more prevalent" type needles or cartridges?

It's a 1961 Seeburg AY 160 Artist of the week Stereo---plays 7 inch 33 1/3 and 45's.

Thanks,

Tom

Hi Tom,
IMHO, that's a waste of time, today. The correct needles required for that modification are either the "Green" (diamond), or "Brown/tan" (Sapp's.), which are harder then hen's teeth to acquire--
All of the aftermarket "Yellow" type I have seen are "less then perfect", and most are a compromise between the original Pickering yellow/violet types, and the green/tan types--If you have genuine "Seeburg gray" needles, they last a long time--and today you can get them re-tipped. Ron Rich

Tom, if you want a direct replacement cart that will use the later styli, this is what is needed:

http://s1192.photobucket.com/user/Rob-N ... sort=2&o=3

http://s1192.photobucket.com/user/Rob-N ... sort=2&o=2

Pickering made these for only a couple of years in the mid-nineties and today, given their cost and the "quality" of direct replacement styli these carts aren't worth pursuing.

An alternative I used in a 222 that went on location was to install the arm from a later machine that used the yellow styli (SS160-to end). this is not a simple operation. It involves cutting away the tail of the new arm and also cutting the old weights to balance the new arm-cart.

As for the styli issue:

It is possible to cut away the plastic from the home version of Pickering DAT-V15 series styli such as used in the 400v.3 and use them in these later juke carts. The output is a bit lower, but better.

Supposedly, a company in Europe will be making high-quality styli for the T cart at some point. If it happens, this will be the best answer for you.

Rob/NYC

Thank you Ron Rich and Rob-NYC for your helpful reply.

I have two sets of the gray needles. One set came with when I purchased the Ay 160 in 1980. The newer set was installed by a Technion (who has sense passed away) when he rebuilt the Amplifier, selector, etc. He gave me the original gray set as a back up saying they were still usable/serviceable. I thank the powers that he did for today they have become scarce/expensive. The AY 160 over on U Tube did not sound good but I was not sure if his record, or recording equipment was the cause or other factors. My own Jukebox is on U Tube and sounds almost as good on my computer as it does live so I knew it was not my computer or speakers. I have it posted on U Tube as a help to others who may have to replace the speed selector, something I did in the past with Ron's Help/advice.

I'll look into getting one set re tipped as Ron suggested. Any information on who I should contact to do that operation Ron?

Thanks again!

Tom

Hi Tom,
I would say that you probably have "enough" needles for now--and 20 years ! There are a couple of places listed above that re-tip them--I have used none of the above listed services-- Ron Rich

Thanks again Ron, I'll take your advice and forget about the needles for the next 20 years. I did not know they were "almost" indestructible. It does sound good with both sets and I never install worn, warped, or otherwise damaged 33 1/3 or 45's so I should be good.

Hi,

I have some NOS (in the box) extra blue T needles, from a french company "Europson" that I could sell, make me an offer via MP.