Silvertone - Syntronic record changer
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2024 2:51 pm
Half the record changers used in Silvertone (sold by Sears and Roebuck) were made by Crescent in mid 60s consoles and portables. Most are very identified by the white cone-shaped control levers on tubed models to the black flat levers on SS models. The console pictured below is of a similar model but uses a Webcor (Webster Chicago corp) changer with stabilizer arm at left front, as many Silvertones do.
I generally advise against restoring the early generation of solid state. I have serviced a few of these changers in the past and the most recent experience on a '63 tube console was encouraging. I also had the same one in a stereo suitcase portable that I had sold, that was in good shape and similar to this one below, showing the Syntronic changer.
Its always a pleasant surprise when a dusty old changer ends up needing only four grommets (motor mounts and speed lever all gone) and the usual cleaning/lubrication. The idler pulley was soft and cleaned up well, Sonotone 9t cartridge sounding good after removing all the dirt up inside it.
One trouble that was tricky to fix, was the record size lever, which indexes the tonearm drop down. If it is stuck, it will drop all records and set down as if a 7 inch. There was an access issue but CRC 2-26 was the right lube and freed it up. Speed and changing of records was
The console itself is a lightweight but sounds surprisingly good using 12" woofs, coaxial mounted tweeters and SE 6BQ5 amplifier.
I generally advise against restoring the early generation of solid state. I have serviced a few of these changers in the past and the most recent experience on a '63 tube console was encouraging. I also had the same one in a stereo suitcase portable that I had sold, that was in good shape and similar to this one below, showing the Syntronic changer.
Its always a pleasant surprise when a dusty old changer ends up needing only four grommets (motor mounts and speed lever all gone) and the usual cleaning/lubrication. The idler pulley was soft and cleaned up well, Sonotone 9t cartridge sounding good after removing all the dirt up inside it.
One trouble that was tricky to fix, was the record size lever, which indexes the tonearm drop down. If it is stuck, it will drop all records and set down as if a 7 inch. There was an access issue but CRC 2-26 was the right lube and freed it up. Speed and changing of records was
The console itself is a lightweight but sounds surprisingly good using 12" woofs, coaxial mounted tweeters and SE 6BQ5 amplifier.
