Interested in the Bush SRP31.

[Anddrew]

HELLO Everyone.

I have recently decided to go back to my childhood memories where as a 4 year old was fascinated with portable box record players and single vinyl records i did use a old Pye box portable type at my nans with a radio on the front and having a good memory played the 7inch single records of the time but not on a Bush . I have recently bought A Bush SRP31.before i continue my typing i am registered partial sighted so please if I make mistakes and typing errors please excuse me.

I only no a little on the portable record players the basics ,I tried to study what to choose and decided with some reading on here to go for certain models, but Bush record players did fit in a list and seem to be not a bad record player to choose.

I bought which I am unsure the age I think it will be a 1958-1959 SRP31 it is finished in beige and brown cloth speaker grille ,bush tree metal badge and gold metal controls trim at bottom. It has a Garrad turntable 210 auto changer. the advice i would like is i have broke the replacement stylus trying to fit under the horrible tight metal BSR clip on cartridge .I did this by trying to fit a new stereo stylus the ST10 is a nightmare to fit for a partially sighted person so i am having a Ronette DC105 to replace it and hope this will be easier but not deter the sound through speakers .but because it is easier to turn and do stylus changes hoping will be easier .because it clips in ,will it sound as good as the BSRX5M which will be taken out .

I have noticed to remain active I need to post so will ask other questions in this section because it will be all to do with the Bush early SRP31 record player. your expert advice would be much appreciated.

[Gabe001]

I'm not a record player expert but given you've had no replies, here is my take. Happy to be corrected

I think the ronette has a stereo output (4pins) whist the x5m has 2,so you may have to wire the Ronette for mono. See sticky thread.

I cannot find reliable figures for output voltage of the cartridges but they don't look massively different at first glance so probably ok from that respect.

Tracking weight may need adjusting given that the Ronette looks like a bigger (and possibly heavier) cartridge.

I can't comment on whether the mounting clip etc will fit. If all fails the Chinese red ones have been used successfully by others.

I had the extension amplifier for this record player. I think I replaced the rectifier (they can sometimes have a lower voltage output) with a modern equivalent + resistor. I think the capacitors are all ceramic so likely to be ok. Smoothing caps likely good as well. Valves can be hard to source if one of them needs replacing,but fingers crossed.

[Anddrew]

Many thanks for the advice I bought the Ronette DC105 so it would be easier to change the stylus when I need to. The UK company who sell carts plus styluses have been selling many years so I did ask. He said it would fit into a Garrad headshell which mine has and it is the usual familiar 210 autochange turntable, reason also I bought it was I wanted to play 7 inch stereo singles plus sixties mono and my other BSR X5M did play both. But due to the stiff metal clip on BSR clip which holds the ST stylus I needed something easier. He did say the tracking I think was heavier lowest I think I could get away with is 6.

I am sure if my post is read someone can reply back and express their experience with Bush SRP31 what tracking is OK and when these were made. It can get a bit confusing with the SRP31 years of manufacture.

[Edward Huggins]

The Ronette cartridge is not the best choice for you - or the continued good health of your records. If you are to use your record player as a stand-alone mono unit and not ever plan to add the matching Bush stereo converter - I would highly recommend fitting the BSR X5M cartridge. It will be an ideal performer in the Garrard autochanger.

[Gabe001]

It'll be broadly similar but it'll be set for the bsr cartridge weight. It may change a bit with the Ronette, hopefully not by much.

With the Garrard deck you've got the D version if I'm not mistaken. The C had a BSR monarch deck

The other thing you would need to check is the voltage from the rectifier, which may be sometimes low as the selenium rectifier ages. You may need to replace this with a silicone diode + 300ohm or thereabouts (10w)

Post crossed with Edward.

Edward,I thought most ceramic cartridges of that time, with the exception of the one custom built for the Pye 1005, tracked at >5g anyway. Does the x5m track lighter?

[Anddrew]

many thanks for the replies i am now totally confused in my post i did say i am partially sighted another words half blind. i needed a cartridge with a replacements styluses which would be easy to fit.In my post i did say i had broke the BSR X5M it is not a BSR X5M But a BSR X5H .I cannot fit these the fiddly stylus and i did say trying to fit a new stylus i broke the metal clip.These are a not so easy to fit very very tight. It is becoming very hard to source cartridges now .I have even read on this forum different opinions on tracking weight and it varies .i guess everyone seems to have different opinions.What would have been nice if someone had advice which cart is suitable apart from the BSR which i cannot fit the stylus us back in and it is broke now.Plus BSRX5H seem obsolete not easy neither to find . I even asked a guy he said Acos they are not easy to fit n neither so the dealer who is one of few UK on line sellers said the Ronette crystal cart and these are not cheap to buy and again rare .I am only playing secondhand 7 inch singles 60s and 70s music not scratched ones . None of my records are after 1977. what will happen if the Ronette is fitted ,it will play mono ,and if not suitable surely they should not be sold as suitable stereo compatable to old record player like my Bush SRP31 1959. any more advice would be helpful.

[Gabe001]

What Edward means (I think) is that the increased tracking weight, which the seller also pointed out to you, may cause increased wear to your records. I didn't think there was a particularly significant difference c/w the original BSR cartridge but Edward knows much more than I do.

To my knowledge there are no issues playing stereo or mono records with the ronette, although you may need to do a small wiring modification to the Ronette if it has got 4 pins and you've got 2 wires in the tonearm. There's a good sticky thread about this which is worth a read in case this is necessary. Maybe it isn't. Someone will know.

In any case, if you've got any very expensive limited edition Beatles records, or any records of particular value, don't play them too often.

[Edward Huggins]

The BSR X5H you mention is not suitable for your Bush as it will overload it. But these are rare and very saleable for about £40-00. As mentioned the Ronette will be fine if you are only playing EP's and 45 singles, but will not be so gentle on Stereo LPs. Track at no less than 5 grams.

[Edward Huggins]

If we are talking about the Ronette 105 series and its modern Italian made clones, both of these have poor vertical compliance and are not ideal for playing Stereo LPs.

[Audio1950]

Originally Posted by Edward Huggins

If we are talking about the Ronette 105 series and its modern Italian made clones, both of these have poor vertical compliance and are not ideal for playing Stereo LPs.

I have had three of the New Ronette 105s over the years and eventually threw all three in the rubbish. They have such poor compliance that they jump the grooves.

Barry

[Anddrew]

Thankyou to everyone with all your appreciated teedback .what seems a simple thing is turning out rather difficult. It makes life harder because all i wanted was a cartridge new and to sound well , but when the time came to changing and fitting a new stylus i could be independent and do it myself like anyone else will do. because iam half blind it makes life tough but iam am determined to do things i know i can do ,It is hard searching the net so i opted for the Ronettedue to the easy push in and clip stylus and swivel over .Today it is proved hopeless poor sound not much volume at all and slightly distorted when i tested a record, record fine .No nothing wrong with my Bush player it works and sounds well with what is probably a BSR X5M . I broke my spare cart a BSR X5H like i said earlier . My SRP31 has gone off to be serviced last week so goodness knows what will be fitted i said do not want another fit a BSR because i am struggling with them . how easy are Sonotone Acos carts?? anything else fits the Garrad headshell on a 210 or a garrad RC 121MK2 hopefully with easier to fit the styluses into the carts .but still get decent volume once set up.

So the Ronette cart is going back and hopefully refund soon , sad really ,it was a robust cart new old stock original . Now can anyone who owns a Bush SRP 31 period 1957 TO 1959 let me know what cart they have fitted .I do not have a Bush SRP31C but this looks similar to my 1959 SRP31 with the 210 deck what do you have fitted in your Bush or my spare Bush which i am using now my older Garrad RC 121MK2. This too will have to be sent away to be serviced due to age and needs a new 13 amp cable fitting ,electrics checking it is becoming tired no wonder it is 66 years old i have done basics on it improved it since i bought it , but do not attempt anything beyond my capabilities. please feel free to post and any welcome advice.

[Gabe001]

I believe some people have used the red Chinese ceramic cartridges successfully in these. See post 7 in this thread. Someone specifically mentioned fitting one in the srp31d (your model I think) and it works well.

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=159306

Bear in mind they don't do 78s well, but for 33s and 45s they're good and cheap.

I don't know about changing the stylus though in these. I suspect it is probably cheaper just to replace the whole cartridge.

You need the correct fitting contraption - do some research.

Gabriel

[Edward Huggins]

I have assumed that the OP Has an early SRP31 - not the later C and D versions.

[Gabe001]

Apologies my mistake.

[Audio1950]

Originally Posted by Gabe001

With the Garrard deck you've got the D version if I'm not mistaken. The C had a BSR monarch deck

No, it's the other way round. The "C" always had Garrard decks (RC121Mk2, 210, then the Autoslim. The "D" was only ever fitted with the metallic blue BSR UA16.

Barry

[ben]

To be honest, replacing any stylus is a fiddly and delicate affair, so I think you're going to run into that problem no matter what cartridge is fitted. As has been said, the Ronette cartridges have poor performance and are best avoided.

I would stick wth a BSR cartridge and just get help when the time comes to replace the stylus - it's not the kind of thing that needs doing often, they last for 1000 hours. So you should get years of use from it.

I wonder if a BSR SC12 would drive this amp? They are available and sound very good. The stylus fitting is at least no more tricky than the x5 carts, provided you use the ST17 /ST16 styli. ST20/21 are much harder as there is less plastic to grip.

Perhaps there's a forum member local to you who could take a look and/or lend a hand if required.

Another thought: does the Garrard have a removable headshell? If so, that will make life easier as you can take it out the player and lay it flat on a table when changing the stylus - much easier than propping up the arm with one hand and fighting the cart with the other!

[Anddrew]

MANY THANKS for the interested in replying back on this thread. I like the older Bush SRP31s i do not not have SRP31C.I am not sure when this first came out maybe 1960ish.it does have the early 210 deck and have seen some about with the early deck Then it seem to change to a different Garrard turntable deck I know the SRP31D has the later Monach deck i prefer the older bush record players with cloth grille. What is different about a SRP31C because i read online it apparently was given a good review by which is it the same in sound ,because the whole point of replacing the cart is to get something easier but i wont get rid of my BSR carts .I simply feel their must be a interchangeable cart for Garrad headshells ,which in return are takes a easier to fit stylus than those hard to push in ST8 or ST10 or ST15s. Ihave two Bush players both have been fitted with the BSR carts which they came with ,when i bought them second hand online.

i did remove the Garard Headshell when fitting the new replacement stylus but sadly, I think part of the metal clip must have been weak in the middle so this is why the BSRX5H clip broke on the cartridge .even though i dislike the hard fitting of them.

Is their anyone on this forum who has the Bush SRP31 range and please come forward and give your opinion on what you use ,surely not everyone uses BSR cartridges.
Does anyone have experience with sound produced from Acos or Sonatone .The who has guy 40 years experience ,who is servicing my 1959 Bush is going to try various ,and see which is produces a ,good sound also easier to fit than the BSR with ST styluses.

can anyone tell me please because i like the Bush SRPS . i saw a a green and grey finished bush ,maybe a SRP31C . i guess maybe 1963 -1965 Bush player on the net which i think was on instagram .Was this a special limited edition ??. I also saw a photo of Adam faith with my SRP31 back in the day obviously promoting the player it was also nice to see Dusty Springfield sat with a later Bush SRP31C or even A SRP31D. Could anyone reading this thread kindly show me their Bush pride and joy with their cart and stylus set up .Thank you to all who have posted on this thread .

[Edward Huggins]

I'm sorry, but I am still struggling with the sequence of this thread. Can we assume you have the earliest of the SRP31 series (ECL83s) - not a C or D version. Yes, you can use Acos or Sonotone cartridges if you wish, but you are unlikely to be able to hear any real difference. Also the styli are just as fiddly to replace. Indeed, the Sonotone 9TA may give you a lower output too. I would stick with the BSR series as their stylii are possibly to easier to replace.

[Anddrew]

Sorry there is difficulty with the sequence of this thread Edward initially I think I did say I had two Bush SRP31's, I gave the years. I have never mentioned the SRP31D someone else did. I did in my last post kindly ask what was the difference with my early 1957-1958 SRP31.

[Edward Huggins]

Still confused. Do you mean you want to know the differences between the BUSH SRP31, the SRP31C and the SRP31D?