RCA Victrola Console RP-217B-22

I have an RCA Victrola 'Rushmore' console where the cartridge no longer stays in place (had friends stay over and think they messed with it!) I found a replacement cartridge (http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-RCA-115307- ... Swx-9Wu6If) but I dont think I really need that but I DO need to know how this cartridge stays in the tone arm? Anyone have a pic they could send me or happen to know? Thank you in advance.

rludym wrote:I have an RCA Victrola 'Rushmore' console where the cartridge no longer stays in place (had friends stay over and think they messed with it!) I found a replacement cartridge (http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-RCA-115307- ... Swx-9Wu6If) but I dont think I really need that but I DO need to know how this cartridge stays in the tone arm? Anyone have a pic they could send me or happen to know? Thank you in advance.

$149!
YIKES!
Ripoff! - anyone who buys it is a fool.

The cartridge retainer clip is missing from the tonearm. - go look for it.

no luck! can you point me to where I could find one?!? thank you!

is this it? http://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/ ... 20Retainer

not sure how it would still connect to the tone arm though

The retainer fastens to the front of the tonearm and the tiny "dusting pad" rides directly on the record as it plays.
You lift/hold the cartridge into the tonearm "head" and slide the retainer up the front.
It keeps the cartridge "up" inside the tonearm but allows it to pivot vertically.
The stylus/cartridge "floats" behind it tracing the grooves.
RCA Victor named this system "Feather Ride" - thus the silver "feather" emblem on the tonearm head.

thank you - having tough time picturing it though. Any pics you know of anywhere to help me visualize? thank you again (I may end up just using silicone adhesive if I cant figure it out!)

is the piece from VOM the right one? if so, then I think I can figure it out!

rludym wrote:thank you - having tough time picturing it though. Any pics you know of anywhere to help me visualize? thank you again (I may end up just using silicone adhesive if I cant figure it out!)

No.
You can't "glue" that, it wasn't designed to be "glued", because it will ruin the function it was designed for.
Plus it will ruin records.

Aw, Meannie,
Are you gonna denie him the fun, of sniffing glue ??
Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:Aw, Meannie,
Are you gonna denie him the fun, of sniffing glue ??
Ron Rich

Heck no, Ronnie.
Huff all ya want!
But would you rather play records with 10+ grams stylus force, or 4.5 grams?
Because that is what would happen if you defeat the "floating" principals of the RCA FeatherRide tonearm design.

The picture you showed from the voiceofmusic website is the correct clip. You push the long prongs up into the headshell. I would look
underneath the record changer for the one you lost, they always end up there..

MattTech, RCA called it Feather Action, not Feather Ride.

orthophonic wrote:The picture you showed from the voiceofmusic website is the correct clip. You push the long prongs up into the headshell. I would look
underneath the record changer for the one you lost, they always end up there..

MattTech, RCA called it Feather Action, not Feather Ride.

Usually in the changer pan.

here are 2 pics - the piece I bought from VOM doesnt make any sense to me - seems I need a pin instead. Thoughts? Thank you again!

You better locate the pivot pin, probably somewhere beneath the changer.
It's not something easily replaced, being a specific size and all.
Someone must have been brutal to that changer to dislodge that pin like that.
And re-installation is delicate and critical.
Avoid damaging those very delicate wires and cartridge, or you'll really have a problem.

Yep, you are missing the pivot pin in the rear, look underneath the changer in the pan. What did your 'friends" do to this poor instrument.