1964 Magnavox Astro-Sonic Console

Just thought I'd join up since purchasing this console yesterday...which is in excellent condition! I could hardly wait for my buddy to get home from his work so he could assist me with unloading and set up. Actually, he thought I was nuts for procurring such a "monster"...only after a couple of beers, and a few Beatles records was he convinced that I might be on to something here.
I was thinking of replacing the needle...I'm not sure whether it really needs it or not. Suppose I'll do some research on this site for that.
Again, it's a beautiful thing...
Thanks for the opportunity to express my joy!

A stylus microscope is the only way to find out. The worn flats must not exceed the tip radius in length.

Hello, and if this your first time purchasing a Magnavox Console, CONGRATS. You can't go wrong with a Magnavox! I've had three Magnavox Consoles already, going on my fourth one soon! The first one I bought was made in 1977 and it was quite a small console, and it also played 8 tracks. It sounded surprisingly good for a smaller console. The only bad thing about that was that it was missing one of it's sliding doors, but hey, my dad got it off a buddy at work and it costed me nothing.

The second one I had I got off of my Great Aunt. This one was made in 1960 or 61. It was a tube model, and not an Astro-Sonic, but it sounded REALLY GOOD!! I would've kept that one too but, my dad tried to refinish it and ruined it pretty badly, and painted the inside balck. ahh, I was so disappointed.

I was planning on spending the money to get it refinished because I just had all the inside parts gutted out and worked on. But, one day I was a local flea market. And someone had a 1963 Magnavox Astro Sonic for sale. I'll tell you, this thing is a MONSTER. It's much better than that other one I had, and sounds much better too. I wish I kept the other one due to sentimental reasons, because I've been around it ever since I was a young kid, but I'm slowly getting over that now.

I've had this 1963 Astro Sonic for almost two years now and have had no problems with it what so ever! Best $40 I ever spent! I do however plan on getting it worked on someday, if I decide to keep it. The only thing is it's a little to wide for my personal taste.

My neighbor has a Magnavox that I would die for! It's a 1960 French Provincial Imperial Model. It's the nicest piece of furniture I've ever seen and it sounds phenominal and was suppose to be Magnavox's top of the line. It was a stereo similar to the Magnavox Concert Grand, which I heard was marvelous. The only thing is though, they're very rare and hard to find.

You could get a new needle on ebay. I also heard that you can order them at radio shack. You can also go to google, or aolsearch.com and key in the world "Phonograph Needle" Or stereo needle or whatever. As far as the 45rpm spindle goes, I can help you out with that because I have a lot extra.

I just wanted to wish your luck with your new stereo! go out and celebrate lol. I'm 21 years old and have had many modern stereos that they sell on the market today, but they are PITTIFUL compared to my Magnavox, and I cannot afford a Bose! So, it's definately the best $40 I ever spent! Have a good one and enjoy!

Thanks for all the help! I commend you for being at an age when most people you hang out with, unfortunately do not share your enthusiasm. My parents always had cheap, portable stereos (mostly gifts from my dad's work)...and when we visited friends houses that had a Maggie in their living room...wow...a real eye opener. It's unheard of today to have something that sounds this good merely requiring you to plug it into the wall outlet...and the set-up is completed!
Does anyone know when Magnavox first started using Solid-State? And besides the lack of warm-up time; what would be the benefits or downfalls of either one? Just curious.
I had the set on last night...perfect for moving furniture to!

Thanks PhonoMike for your offer to help me out with a spindle. Do you need anymore info other than the fact that it's a 1964 AstroSonic? You can email me at hardriverocks@yahoo.com

You will find that maggies are great for dusting a room too! I have a '67 Astrosonic model and the only problem I've seen is the controls are subject to dust contamination. That is easily cured with regular cleanings and take care with setting drinks on top. Also keep in mind that they are affected by smoke from cigs or fireplaces as well as cooking grease.
Any of the old stuff I've ever gotten hold of are affected by the same things. Keep in mind that older folks rarely moved the controls around and listened to pretty much the same stations all the time, so they will need cleaned and rotated.
Try out Iron Butterfly, Uriah Heap or Deep Purple on it and hold on!

So far, none of my controls are scratchy, but that dosen't mean that I won't clean them soon! And I do have some Deep Purple lp's that I really should try out on it...So, what you're saying is that if I played Smoke on the Water loud enough, that the dust in the room would blow away automatically at 120 mph. Perhaps Highway Star would do it...

Last night, my drummer (who has no regard for items of intrinsic beauty) left an empty bottle of water on it...so I merely placed the bottle on one of his drums...he didn't like it too much. I told him to forget the stereo was even there...don't even look at it (moron).
I haven't done enough research on the 45 spindle yet, either. I'll have to get on that soon, also. Perhaps then, I'll purchase some 45's.

There were only three 45 spindles made for the Collaro/Magnavox changers.

1. The original is a black or red cylinder 3.75 inches long with a hole in the top for the standard spindle. It fits the spindle on the changer in my avatar. This spindle was made up to 1962.

The small-hole spindle for this is the only Collaro/Magnavox spindle with a fixed ledge which holds up the records and an offset movable record guide. An animated diagram of it can be found here:

http://geocities.com/midimagic@sbcgloba ... ollaro.htm

A V-M or RCA 45 spindle 4 inches long will work with it.

2. The second kind is a gray or white cylinder, about 3.25 inches long. The top is narrower with two indentations to put fingers for installing and removing the spindle. It fits all Collaro/Magnavox changers made after 1962.

The small-hole spindle for this is a straight round spindle with a notch in it and two blades facing the pickup arm shaft which hold up the records.

3. They made a shorter version of the second small-hole spindle starting in the 1970s. The 45 spindle for this is flat.