BSR Monarch UA8

[Motorola minion]

This changer is noted by its record drop lever that looks like an Eagle's claw sticking out.
BSR stands for Birmingham Sound Reproducers, better known as one of the last record player manufacturers standing.
While most of us may prefer a Garrard or maybe a Collaro, BSR made a decent range of serviceable changers.

The idler pulley is smaller than most others. In the case of the Motorola SK12, using this changer was an anomaly for Motorola, who used Voice of Music changers almost exclusively.

First, idler wheel was toast and made lots of noise to boot. I had a spare UA8 rom an EMUD 915, which had a good idler. Speed was checked afterward and just a tiny bit fast on 33.333

Second, changing mechanism actually works but will not shut off after last record has played, instead landing the needle as if a 7 inch record had dropped.

Third and last issue is the cartridge, which was a removable Astatic 13t. I had two more of these little suckers but none of them played well on both channels. While still available, https://thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/par ... ategories= , the OEM tracks at 6 grams so it was just too easy to install a new Tetrad.

The tracking force is set much like a VM, but the spring has slack and getting 4 grams was a bit tricky. Tracking for the origial

I spent many an hour on BSR's later designs, removing the solidified grease and changing carts with mostly success. I don't prefer BSR specifically but I welcome any and all comments on your experiences with these workhorses.

[electra225]

I used to buy the cheap all-in-one stereos from the 1970's. The ones with plastic lids on them. Most of those had BSR changers. I would replace the 78-rpm plow in old console radios with a bridged stereo BSR. I found that, in most cases, the changer needed very little to be perfectly serviceable. BSR gets a bad rap for some reason, but I found them every bit the workhorse as the Voice of Music changers. I supposed they made models that were "better" than others, but I had good luck with BSR changers. I wasn't a fan of their mini changers, too many plastic parts. Plus they looked totally out of place in an old radio cabinet.

[William]

I have that exact changer in a one tube wonder that was given to me. I can't find a cartridge for it; and Gary tells me one does not exist. The changer is the best part of this record player, and it works flawlessly.

Bill

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Bill,
If your BSR has the two 1/2 inch spaced mount holes,
possibly Gary's newer Pfanstiehl P-228 (0.8 volts) might
get enough volume.

BSRs I have serviced from the 1950's to the 1980's interestingly
used the same diameter idler wheel.
I have also found that most of the idlers' rubber was
still good in many of these varied production years.

I will mention the British grease used in later BSRs which
will epoxify around the platter and the cam gear assembly.
(keep your Benzo-Matic ready !)

But outside of that, BSRs are an easily serviced changer, which I like.

[Ken Doyle]

I think one of the reasons that the later BSR changers are so hated is that the trip lever gets gummy and causes a lot of wear towards the end of a record side. If the trip lever is kept clean and free, they're as good as any inexpensive record changer.

[William]

I like that BSR changer in my one tube wonder, and with your suggestion, Mr. Mogul I will look and see what my mount spacing is. I have often thought, of just repurposing the BSR into another record player.

Bill

[hermitcrab]

BSR's are good changers , If I see one at a goodwill or second hand store I will grab it.... also it does not take much massaging of a plinth to accept one as a replacement ... probably why you see so many BSR's as transplants... my thought is always what happened to the changer it replaced?....

[Motorola minion]

All done! It acts so much like a VM yet is so unusual:?
This BSR was the original player installed in this console and I like to keep things original. This time, I did not regret that decision

This is a very different changer from all others, yet I was able to easily do the following:

1. Successfully clean idler pulley and have it operate the cycle with minimal slowing and no hiccups
2. I used (but inverted with cone side down) RCA-style motor mount grommets to properly align the pulley
3. I dropped/cleaned the changer mechanism by removing just three screws, two linkages and one nut for tonearm
4. I removed the record stabilizer bar to fully clean the shaft and guide tube.
5. Replaced Astatic 13t with Tetrad cartridge (.3 v output ) and micro-soldered a connector plug on original 4-wire harness.
6. Adjusted VTF to 4 grams by moving spring to a different hole. Former cart tracked at 6 grams.

This is only one "different" player I have to deal with but others remain to be found: Philips, P-E, Grundig, Telefunken...

[TC Chris]

Yay for keepin' original!

Chris Campbell