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Vintage Audio (record players, hi-fi etc) Amplifiers, speakers, gramophones and other audio equipment. |
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26th Jun 2017, 10:16 am | #1 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK.
Posts: 3
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Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer.
Hi all,
I have just bought a beautiful Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer. I have tried google to get info on this item but can't seem to find anything, so I thought I would ask you all. Many Thanks in advance Michelle |
26th Jun 2017, 11:20 am | #2 |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: N.W. Oxfordshire(Chipping Norton)
Posts: 7,306
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Re: Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer.
Monarch is the Brand name of the BSR Autochanger fitted to that Radiogram, not the model name of the complete set. I didn't know that Fidelity made Radiograms, having only ever seen radios and portable record players of that make. However other members may recognise the set and be able to identify it. There should be a label of some sort either inside or on the back of the cabinet with the make & model info., but it may well have dissapeared after possibly 60 years!
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26th Jun 2017, 11:21 am | #3 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Hereford, UK.
Posts: 719
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Re: Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer.
It dates from about 1954. A fairly standard five valve radiogram. I have one getting in the way in my kitchen at the moment, chassis repaired but awaiting deck overhaul and cartridge fitting. Mine is the lift up lid version, rather than your bureau version, but the BSR deck is the same as is the tuning scale, probably the same radio chassis, mine has octal valves, but I have seen them with B9A valves, still the same tuning scale and similar chassis.
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26th Jun 2017, 11:23 am | #4 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Wigan, Greater Manchester, UK.
Posts: 9,427
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Re: Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer.
The cabinet reminds me of those that could be bought in the 1950's ready to put your own record player and radio chassis into. In fact it looks very similar to a cabinet my dad bought and did just that with it.
Where are the words Fidelity written? The record player deck would have been made by one of probably 3 companies, Garrard, BSR or Collaro, someone on the forum will know which one. A photo of the radio chassis may help identify it. Frank |
26th Jun 2017, 11:27 am | #5 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Hereford, UK.
Posts: 719
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Re: Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer.
Just had a look on the back, mine is an RG16
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26th Jun 2017, 12:00 pm | #6 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK.
Posts: 3
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Update on my cabinet:
Found the plate on the back and have taken more photo's {attached!} Model RG1X Serial No: 1639 |
26th Jun 2017, 2:02 pm | #7 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK.
Posts: 8,302
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Re: Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer.
Whilst the BSR UA6 dates from 1954 onwards, the AC/DC chassis looks from an even earlier period. Please be careful, this chassis is not isolated from the mains. What are your plans for this?
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Edward. |
26th Jun 2017, 5:03 pm | #8 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK.
Posts: 3
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Re: Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer.
Hello,
I was thinking of keeping this one but just wanted to know if anyone knows anything about it! |
26th Jun 2017, 5:15 pm | #9 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,786
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Re: Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer.
It does have a slight 'man in a shed' construction quality, so I wonder if it has been assembled from subassemblies. The radio chassis looks more late 40s than mid 50s. A closeup photo of the tuning scale may help us date it.
The electronics are likely to be quite simple and easy to restore, but you will need to have some basic work done before using it. Don't just plug it in and hope for the best. Take heed of Edward's warning - these live chassis designs can be dangerous for the inexperienced. It is very likely that the record deck will need a new cartridge if the original one is still fitted. |
26th Jun 2017, 7:24 pm | #10 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Hereford, UK.
Posts: 719
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Re: Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer.
Looks like an AC/DC version of the chassis in mine, IF cans, tuning condenser, smoothing can and valves all in the same positions, but a transformer filling the big hole.
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26th Jun 2017, 7:40 pm | #11 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: St. Frajou, l'Isle en Dodon, Haute Garonne, France.(Previously: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK.)
Posts: 3,177
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Re: Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer.
Hi,
It's not a KB by any chance? It looks very vaguely similar to mine from 1955. Cheers, Pete.
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26th Jun 2017, 7:50 pm | #12 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Cornwall, UK.
Posts: 13,454
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Re: Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer.
Says Fidelity Radio London on the record deck plinth, then looks like what might be a London district letter and number after the word London, if it's W11 then that should pin it down as one of Dickman's units (Fidelity)
Lawrence. |
27th Jun 2017, 3:10 pm | #13 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK.
Posts: 8,302
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Re: Fidelity Monarch BSR Three Speed Record Changer.
This is definitely a "Fidelity Radio" unit before their Portable Record Player days. I am not sure from her post if the OP just wants this as a non-working retro piece or plans to have it restored to use as a Mono record player?
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Edward. |