Total newbie needing Hacker Gondolier help! - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

ghostandstars · 11th Jul 2017, 11:16 am

Pathetic baby here who did not grow up around record players and has no clue how anything works!!

My partner and I have a Hacker Gondolier which, although not perfect (auto setting doesn't work etc), we love. However, the time has come for us to change the needle and neither of us have the foggiest clue what kind we need or how to do it. We tried to find step by step guides online but every type seems to be different, and it's so delicate that we're scared we'll break it if we mess up.

There's also a mystery tool on the inside of the box (pictured) which we would like to know the purpose of!

Help is much appreciated!

Also is there anywhere in London that does repairs for this kind of record player? We'd like to make it last so it'll need some love and attention at some point.

regentone001 · 11th Jul 2017, 11:38 am

The mystery tool is the autochange spindle which replaces the single play one in the centre of the turntable and means you can play up to 6 records automatically. I think the stylus, proper name for the needle, is replaced by turning the flag over so that LP is uppermost,looking down on to the deck, then there is a tiny flap for a fingernail to go under and prise the old stylus out the new stylus then clips into the empty space. it can only go in one way. Just make sure that the metal shank fits in the fork at the front of the cartridge. Hopefully this makes sense it's easier to do than explain.
Steve

Edward Huggins · 11th Jul 2017, 12:09 pm

To add to the above, you need a stylus to suit your cartridge which, as can be seen is an Acos GP96-1. These can be easily searched out on Google. There are 2 tips each side - either Stereo LP/78 or Stereo LP/Stereo LP.

With the autochanger stacking spindle correctly inserted (turn it around in the "hole" for it until you feel it click/lock in, then push it down) you will be able to enjoy a stack of records.

Nuvistor · 11th Jul 2017, 9:08 pm

Hi Edward,
Is there a difference between the stylus on the GP96 and the GP96-01?

Frank

Edward Huggins · 12th Jul 2017, 8:51 am

Most of these Acos GP9x series of mono and stereo cartridges carried a suffix. -01 would denote a medium output type whereas, say, -3 was high output. I seem to remember as far as the GP96 type was concerned, there was only ever a GP96-1 version, but. I stand to be corrected.

11th Jul 2017, 11:16 am	#1
ghostandstars Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: London, UK. Posts: 1	Total newbie needing Hacker Gondolier help! Pathetic baby here who did not grow up around record players and has no clue how anything works!! My partner and I have a Hacker Gondolier which, although not perfect (auto setting doesn't work etc), we love. However, the time has come for us to change the needle and neither of us have the foggiest clue what kind we need or how to do it. We tried to find step by step guides online but every type seems to be different, and it's so delicate that we're scared we'll break it if we mess up. There's also a mystery tool on the inside of the box (pictured) which we would like to know the purpose of! Help is much appreciated! Also is there anywhere in London that does repairs for this kind of record player? We'd like to make it last so it'll need some love and attention at some point. Attached Thumbnails

11th Jul 2017, 11:38 am	#2
regentone001 Heptode Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Coventry, West Midlands, UK. Posts: 519	Re: Total newbie needing Hacker Gondolier help! The mystery tool is the autochange spindle which replaces the single play one in the centre of the turntable and means you can play up to 6 records automatically. I think the stylus, proper name for the needle, is replaced by turning the flag over so that LP is uppermost,looking down on to the deck, then there is a tiny flap for a fingernail to go under and prise the old stylus out the new stylus then clips into the empty space. it can only go in one way. Just make sure that the metal shank fits in the fork at the front of the cartridge. Hopefully this makes sense it's easier to do than explain. Steve

11th Jul 2017, 12:09 pm	#3
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,340	Re: Total newbie needing Hacker Gondolier help! To add to the above, you need a stylus to suit your cartridge which, as can be seen is an Acos GP96-1. These can be easily searched out on Google. There are 2 tips each side - either Stereo LP/78 or Stereo LP/Stereo LP. With the autochanger stacking spindle correctly inserted (turn it around in the "hole" for it until you feel it click/lock in, then push it down) you will be able to enjoy a stack of records. __________________ Edward.

11th Jul 2017, 9:08 pm	#4
Nuvistor Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Wigan, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 9,433	Re: Total newbie needing Hacker Gondolier help! Hi Edward, Is there a difference between the stylus on the GP96 and the GP96-01? Frank

12th Jul 2017, 8:51 am	#5
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,340	Re: Total newbie needing Hacker Gondolier help! Most of these Acos GP9x series of mono and stereo cartridges carried a suffix. -01 would denote a medium output type whereas, say, -3 was high output. I seem to remember as far as the GP96 type was concerned, there was only ever a GP96-1 version, but. I stand to be corrected. __________________ Edward.