Hey! I am hoping that someone can answer questions for me regarding a 1958-1959 Philco turntable I inherited from my grandparents. I am currently in the process of ordering a new needle from Voices of Music. The gentleman there stated that I needed an Astatic 13t. However, he then told me that I can only play vintage records on this set. This has really confused me because my grandma has always played all records on this set. Also, how old is "vintage?"

I don't want to harm records by playing them, but I was hoping to be able to play all the records I have inherited over the years from the 1950s and on through brand new ones. Is there something else I could do to be able to play newer records on this set?

I have attached some pictures so you are able to see the set.

Please do not be afraid to explain things like I am a five year old because I am completely clueless

Thanks in Advance, Kati

This unit can safely play stereo records on the condition that the needle and cartridge are completely changed out. Contact Gary at thevoiceofmusic.com for a suitable replacement.

This stereo has a tube amplifier that must be serviced before being put into daily use. There's small readily available parts that must be replaced, this isn't negotiable. If these small parts go out, it can cause a cascade failure, at the very least, take tubes out, at the very worst, start a house fire. once these small parts are replaced, it will be completely safe and ready to enjoy for many more years

Your phono should be able to play LP records made since 1956 without damaging them (or being damaged).

Old cartridges lose their flexibility due to rubber internal suspension parts getting hard with age. Playing stereo records with an old cartridge is likely to result in some amount of record damage. Playing 78 RPM records using a needle that is intended for stereo records is likely to result in needle damage (even though there is a 78 RPM speed setting on the turntable).

Many 1950s record players dealt with 78/33 records by having "flipover" cartridges, where the correct stylus (needle) can be rotated into position according to the record type. Later, as 78 RPM records fell out of favor, LP-only stylii became the norm.

There is a lot more to it than this...

Welcome to the Phono forum Kati !

1. Please also post the model number of the Philco, and we
can supply you with the circuit and V-M made record changer
manuals for service use.

As others said, it must have basic electronics serviced.

2. The Philco has a combination needle/cartridge which
plugs in to a mount in the tonearm.

The part is a stereo Astatic 13-T type.

These cartridges are now expensive, scarce, and they
actually do not play that well, in my experience.

3. What we recommend is to replace that cartridge with
a modern Pfanstiehl P-226 stereo cartridge.


https://thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/par ... ategories=

That will take a person to have some knowledge of
how to wire up the new cartridge.

I recommend you find a local vintage radio club in
your area, as there will probably be a member who
can install the new cartridge.

They could also do the electronics service.

The new Pfanstiehl will play very well in the Philco,
and is not expensive.

Once the servicing is done, your family's Philco will
sing again for many years.

Ask more questions, we are glad to assist you !

Hotwax

Astatic 13-T out of stock at The Voice of Music, see below.

https://thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/par ... /Cartridge

What Gary at Voice of Music is saying is that many newer records will not play on this turntable even with a new cartridge/stylus. He emphasizes this on his website. Since the 1980s some records have been cut with much heavier bass than in the past, and earlier-designed cartridges can often not play them without skipping, even if the cartridges are brand new. Gary states on the website that the odds of playing new records are better for higher-end turntables and cartridges.

-David

You don't need anything high end, no matter how new the records are. This unit has a Voice of Music record changer, which I have a lot of experience with; there isn't a record out there that they won't play.

Having said that, the Astatic 13t needle/cartridge must go, as they are record chewers when it comes to newer vinyl. A modern cartridge like a Pfansteihl P228 (also available at the Voice of Music website) will work just fine with all types of vinyl. But alas, it sounds like you will need to find someone to do the conversion for you, since you don't have experience.

Exactly, my RCA 33/78 player is a vm 925 with P228, it plays modern records just fine. My only complaint is that they aren't pressing them with the ridges and edges, so sometimes they slip.

Don't tell us, tell Gary! He's the one posting the caution on his website.

-David