Replacing Astatic B cartridge

I have one in a Rockola B, and I assume that it is no good as I heard the crystal fails with age. (I currently am in the midst of a mechanical restoration)

What are my options for replacement?
I don't mind making a physical mounting modification to get the new cartridge installed, but I assume I will need a pre-amp with a newer cartridge as most have a lower output?

How about sound quality and record wear? Does a newer cartridge do OK?

I appreciate your time.
Scott

There is a "direct replacement" sold by the sellers listed above. Tone arm pressure is the only consideration in using it--I have done so several times, with no problems-- Ron Rich

Thanks Ron.

I can't find a seller above that sells a direct replacement.
NeedlesforJukeboxes.com told me that there is no direct replacement.
Google does not seem to help me locate a replacement.

What I did find is that West-Tech Services rebuilds these cartridges for $55 postpaid. Seems fairly reasonable.
http://www.west-techservices.com/p1.htm

Hi Scott,
I guess I don't know what an Astatic B cartridge is--? What model phono is it used in ??
"$55.00" seems fair to me !
Ron Rich

Indeed, photos, or more information would help in replacement.

Indeed, I did state in my original post that it is from a Rockola B. This dates it at 1936.




I appreciate the help.
From what I have been able to gather, these have a 3 volt output, whereas newer ones have a much lower output.
I guess a preamp would work, but that is a hassle compared to just having the right cartridge.
I will probably try the rebuild route.

Hi Scott,
Cool-Thanks ! I guess I overlooked the "RockOla B" in your first post--somehow I waz (fuzzy) thinkin' it was an Astatic 51 ?
Ron Rich

I'm not sure what amp this machine uses, but an Astatic 51-2 will work good. You can buy an adapter for a few bucks or make one yourself. If the volume is low, most of the early Rockola amps have a resistor on the volume control that goes to ground. You can reduce the resistance on the resistor or eliminate it entirely to increase volume if needed.

eddie wrote:I'm not sure what amp this machine uses, but an Astatic 51-2 will work good. You can buy an adapter for a few bucks or make one yourself. If the volume is low, most of the early Rockola amps have a resistor on the volume control that goes to ground. You can reduce the resistance on the resistor or eliminate it entirely to increase volume if needed.

Incorrect.
In the Rockola "B", the input limiting resistor is on the "high" side of the volume control, in series with the hot cartridge lead.
As for a cartridge, the Pfanstiehl P-51-3 would be better with 78's.

So MattTech, you recommend the Pfanstiehl P-51-3?
Would I be able to use it without amp modifications? or would a pre-amp be necessary?

Thank you.

Guys,
There seems to be a common mis-understanding of all cartridges, including, the Astatic "51" cartridge. In this case "51" is the designation for the cartridge, LESS needle. Most cart makers followed this program, and somehow showed which needle ( sometimes size and material) was used, in their parts number designations, The "dash number" indicates the thickness of the needle inserted into the cartridge--In other words a "51-2" indicates a 2 mill sized needle, was factory inserted (which was developed after most 78 makers adapted the 2 mill groove in their records (post WW 2, as I have been tolt!). A few years ago, Astatic discontinued making the 51's. Phansteil started making their replacement for the 51's, which they call "P 51-x". They followed the same pattern of having a "dash1, 2, and 3" needle available. They also went one more--a .07 mill for "stereo/microgroove" records. The P 51 series carts are basically the old "Ronnette" brand kiddie carts.--the needle pressure MUST be reduced to use these carts, without "busting needles"--Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:Guys,
There seems to be a common mis-understanding of all cartridges, including, the Astatic "51" cartridge. In this case "51" is the designation for the cartridge, LESS needle. Most cart makers followed this program, and somehow showed which needle ( sometimes size and material) was used, in their parts number designations, The "dash number" indicates the thickness of the needle inserted into the cartridge--In other words a "51-2" indicates a 2 mill sized needle, was factory inserted (which was developed after most 78 makers adapted the 2 mill groove in their records (post WW 2, as I have been tolt!). A few years ago, Astatic discontinued making the 51's. Phansteil started making their replacement for the 51's, which they call "P 51-x". They followed the same pattern of having a "dash1, 2, and 3" needle available. They also went one more--a .07 mill for "stereo/microgroove" records. The P 51 series carts are basically the old "Ronnette" brand kiddie carts.--the needle pressure MUST be reduced to use these carts, without "busting needles"--Ron Rich

All good points Ron.
I've used the P51-3 in "78" jukes with good results.
But yes, the equipment must be adjustable to a somewhat lower tracking pressure, which incidently, will reduce wear.
The P51 can handle up to 9 grams safely.

MattTech wrote:

eddie wrote:I'm not sure what amp this machine uses, but an Astatic 51-2 will work good. You can buy an adapter for a few bucks or make one yourself. If the volume is low, most of the early Rockola amps have a resistor on the volume control that goes to ground. You can reduce the resistance on the resistor or eliminate it entirely to increase volume if needed.

Incorrect.
In the Rockola "B", the input limiting resistor is on the "high" side of the volume control, in series with the hot cartridge lead.
As for a cartridge, the Pfanstiehl P-51-3 would be better with 78's.

Re-read my post. I did not know which amp he had. I included the caveat. To the original poster...take my advice on the 51-2.

Hi Eddie,
I don't understand your point--the "51" is the same cartridge, no mater which "dash" (-) number needle is used ! The-1, -2,-3 only serve to indicate the size (thickness) of the needle, ORIGINALLY installed, by the factory, in the 51cartridge. The size you choose, should be determined by the records you are playing-- basically, if pre WW 2, use a -3, if later, 78's, use a -2, and if "microgroove",or 45 rpm, (mono ONLY) use a dash 1. Ron Rich

So would the 51 be a better choice than having the original rebuilt? It certainly is less money.
I would assume that the sound is as good, or better than the original.

But how about the lower output level of the 51, will it be noticeable?

Lighter tracking weight = less wear, so that would be a good thing.

Thank you,
Scott