1965 Maestro Model 52

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Two nice young sisters brought their Grandma's Ward's
Airline console by for removal and service of the record changer.

Maestro is reported to have been a cheaper changer used in
lower end hi-fi's in the 60s.

But, this Airline radio/amp chassis is very well made.
I don't think the console was an inexpensive item.

It uses single 6BQ5 output tubes.
Two way woofer/tweeter with a crossover.

The cabinet is a lot of solid wood, in colonial style.

The Maestro has characteristics of both BSR and Garrard
mid-1960s units, but is U.S. made.

The Maestro uses a manual record size selector, with
all other functions automatic.

The Ronette 105 stereo cart has good output on each
channel, and the idler wheel still pulls through cycle.
I ordered a new idler from V of Music, though.

I did not have to do much dis-assembly for cleaning, with
exception of the motor.

The hardest task was removing the grease-locked record platter.
(another characteristic of BSR/Garrards, ha ha !)
I applied heat to the spindle for that.

[TC Chris]

Looks like a large power transformer for an 8-tube chassis.

Chris Campbell

[electra225]

Did Wells-Gardner build that chassis? The whole thing looks well built. Never heard of a Maestro changer, but, then again, I live a sheltered life.....

[William]

The changer looks like a VM on the top side but like Mr. Mogul states it's nowhere close on the bottom side. Quite simply looking actually.

Bill

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Question:

Is the metal plate the motor is attached to for
reducing any inductance or field created ?

It may just be engineered that way, but I've not
seen anything similar.

[electra225]

It looks to me like they only use three bolts to mount the motor. Maybe that plate is there to stabilize the motor?

[William]

Do you have a photo of the topside of the changer, platter removed?

Bill