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Old 24th Apr 2017, 10:31 am   #19
brenellic2000
Octode
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rye, East Sussex, UK.
Posts: 1,647
Default Re: Brenell STB-1 Restoration & Help Needed

No, AEI and Papst motors are not 'directly interchangable', but with a bit of engineering skill, 'any' motor (or head) can likely be fitted... if you enjoy a challenge!

Yes, the Mk.4 to Mk.6 are essentially the same deck, but modified as they progressed - there are 3 variations to the 'gold' Mk.5. The Mk.7 and Mini-8 are similar developments, while the new multi-format Type 19 is unique.

The unmasked 'gold' deck plate (grey on the Mk.2) was usually for standard models with 10-1/2" models first offered in blue-grey metallic, but Brenell also offered the attractive blue-grey to customer choice. The hammered enamel helped mask spot welds on the deck plate - before going upmarket by settling on the aluminium deck-mask first in dove-grey enamel, then leatherette. These of course required removable of knobs to gain access, prompting the hinged STB-1 studio deck for the Mk.5 Series 3 and Mk.6. (The ST200 and IC2000 are a real pain to service).

As Ted says, making a head in two halves is a doddle - matching them up in perfect alignment is the problem!!! Yet, most of the early pioneers made their own heads - indeed, coil winders were a standard product in most High Street Radio Component shops. The more modern and advanced mankind gets, the less skilled we become in basic engineering and common sense!

As regards Miniflux/Woelke, the UK importers cunningly registered 'Miniflux' as their trade name when Woelke changed distributors... causing them, much to their chagrin, to adopt 'Woelke'. The Miniflux stacked-stereo first appeared on the 3-Star stereo and were briefly offered as an alternative to Brenell's own staggered-stereo set-up, which Daphne Oram used - these stereo MK.5s are big and very rare now... as is the 3-Star stereo.

Barry
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