Classic Hifi Care

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.

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

Chris Campbell

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.....

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

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.

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

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

Bill