Can you help me identify this record player? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Dave's Shed · 23rd Nov 2013, 1:51 pm

Hello, new member here!

I picked up a 'spares and repairs' record player last week from our local second hand shop as a project to keep me busy.

I've been looking for a model number but I can't find one anywhere.

...upon switching on, it certainly does hum...loudly! It gets louder when I increase the volume too so I'm looking into that. I'm thinking it's the UL84.

Just wondered if anyone could identify the player from the pics. I can then look for a circuit diagram online.

It's a Marconiphone, and I'm guessing 1960's..

Cheers!

unitaudio · 23rd Nov 2013, 2:10 pm

Welcome to the forum. Wow that's a clean example! Well found. I used to have one the same back in the early 80s but not in such good cosmetic order. It came from the local tip. I'm afraid I can't help you with the model number but the hum could be down to a faulty cartridge. I say this because you say the hum increases with volume setting which suggests it's not a fault in the amp. Old crystal cartridges fail over time whether used or not. Is the cartridge original? If it is it's probably kaput.
Regards
Paul

Dave's Shed · 23rd Nov 2013, 2:16 pm

Hi, thanks - although I have to say I've had to clean it up a fair bit!!

I'm wondering if it shares the same model number or circuit with others I've been seeing online.
I'm having it to bits on the table in a bit so will disconnect the cartridge and see what happens.

Cheers

Dave

Cobaltblue · 23rd Nov 2013, 3:14 pm

Hi Paul

It looks like a 4004

If so you can get the service information here

Cheers

Mike T

Nickthedentist · 23rd Nov 2013, 3:17 pm

Note the U-series valves which point to a "live chassis" design - be careful, and make sure you know how these are designed if you want to avoid an electric shock!

Sorry if you already know this, but it's hard to tell with new members ;-)

Dave's Shed · 23rd Nov 2013, 3:53 pm

Hi all, thanks for the help! Have tried disconnecting the cartridge but the hum remains

@Nick, I did know about the live chassis but I appreciate the warning

Thanks Cobaltblue! That looks like the one! Have ordered one...managed to somehow have it posted instead of download though so will have to wait to check it out (doh)!

Tractorfan · 23rd Nov 2013, 4:39 pm

Hi,
The hum will remain when the cartridge is disconnected as the input to the amp is now open circuit (as was the cartridge). If you short circuit the two leads that were connected to the cartridge, the hum should stop.
Cheers, Pete.

23rd Nov 2013, 1:51 pm	#1
Dave's Shed Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Leicester Posts: 3	Can you help me identify this record player? Hello, new member here! I picked up a 'spares and repairs' record player last week from our local second hand shop as a project to keep me busy. I've been looking for a model number but I can't find one anywhere. ...upon switching on, it certainly does hum...loudly! It gets louder when I increase the volume too so I'm looking into that. I'm thinking it's the UL84. Just wondered if anyone could identify the player from the pics. I can then look for a circuit diagram online. It's a Marconiphone, and I'm guessing 1960's.. Cheers! Attached Thumbnails

23rd Nov 2013, 2:10 pm	#2
unitaudio Heptode Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Manchester, UK. Posts: 862	Re: Can you help me identify this record player? Welcome to the forum. Wow that's a clean example! Well found. I used to have one the same back in the early 80s but not in such good cosmetic order. It came from the local tip. I'm afraid I can't help you with the model number but the hum could be down to a faulty cartridge. I say this because you say the hum increases with volume setting which suggests it's not a fault in the amp. Old crystal cartridges fail over time whether used or not. Is the cartridge original? If it is it's probably kaput. Regards Paul

23rd Nov 2013, 2:16 pm	#3
Dave's Shed Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Leicester Posts: 3	Re: Can you help me identify this record player? Hi, thanks - although I have to say I've had to clean it up a fair bit!! I'm wondering if it shares the same model number or circuit with others I've been seeing online. I'm having it to bits on the table in a bit so will disconnect the cartridge and see what happens. Cheers Dave

23rd Nov 2013, 3:14 pm	#4
Cobaltblue Moderator Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Exeter, Devon and Poole, Dorset UK. Posts: 6,880	Re: Can you help me identify this record player? Hi Paul It looks like a 4004 If so you can get the service information here Cheers Mike T __________________ Invisible airwaves crackle with life or at least they used to Mike T BVWS member. www.cossor.co.uk

23rd Nov 2013, 3:17 pm	#5
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,866	Re: Can you help me identify this record player? Note the U-series valves which point to a "live chassis" design - be careful, and make sure you know how these are designed if you want to avoid an electric shock! Sorry if you already know this, but it's hard to tell with new members ;-)

23rd Nov 2013, 3:53 pm	#6
Dave's Shed Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Leicester Posts: 3	Re: Can you help me identify this record player? Hi all, thanks for the help! Have tried disconnecting the cartridge but the hum remains @Nick, I did know about the live chassis but I appreciate the warning Thanks Cobaltblue! That looks like the one! Have ordered one...managed to somehow have it posted instead of download though so will have to wait to check it out (doh)!

23rd Nov 2013, 4:39 pm	#7
Tractorfan Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: St. Frajou, l'Isle en Dodon, Haute Garonne, France.(Previously: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK.) Posts: 3,184	Re: Can you help me identify this record player? Hi, The hum will remain when the cartridge is disconnected as the input to the amp is now open circuit (as was the cartridge). If you short circuit the two leads that were connected to the cartridge, the hum should stop. Cheers, Pete. __________________ "Hello?, Yes, I'm on the train, I might lose the signal soon as we're just going into a tunn..."