Decca model C cartridge in Garrard RC70 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Michael Maurice · 1st Jul 2019, 11:23 pm

I have started restoring a Beau Decca, fitted with an RC70 and I think model C cartridge.

The problem is that though the coil is ok, the stylus is broken, and I cant get a stylus anywhere.

To make matters harder, the arm is slightly longer as the Decca head is very short.

Can anyone offer any practical solutions please?

RojDW48 · 2nd Jul 2019, 12:02 am

Could you post a pic? I have some very old Decca styli - but I can't find a pic of the model C on the net to check compatibility.

Michael Maurice · 2nd Jul 2019, 11:30 am

Here are some pictures.

When I do finish restoring the Beau Decca I will be selling it so anything that I fit would I suppose need to be replaceable in the future.

tracypaper · 2nd Jul 2019, 12:56 pm

Cartridge is Decca XMS.
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PaulR · 2nd Jul 2019, 1:09 pm

I tried and failed some time ago to get a replacement stylus for one of those in a slightly later Beau Decca. One of the later Garrard magnetic steel needle pickups fitted but in my case it was far too heavy for the arm and deck. It should be ok in an RC70 though as they were often fitted to them originally.

Michael Maurice · 2nd Jul 2019, 1:09 pm

I dont think its the same as an XMS

Techman · 2nd Jul 2019, 1:21 pm

I know that the tone arms are all basically interchangeable on the 3 speed decks that immediately followed the RC70, so could be swapped to accommodate different length head shells, as I've done it myself in the past. I've never had occasion to do this with the single speed RC70 and its variants, but it wouldn't surprise me if the tone arms were all interchangeable to allow for a different head to be fitted to these decks too.

Hartley118 · 2nd Jul 2019, 3:23 pm

Yes, you're right Michael. That looks like a Decca type C bayonet fitting head, the predecessor of the XMS type D, which also came in its bright red microgroove version in addition to the brown 78 head.

I may be able to help with the stylus assembly. Sending you a PM.

Martin

PaulR · 2nd Jul 2019, 5:38 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulR

I tried and failed some time ago to get a replacement stylus for one of those in a slightly later Beau Decca.

Deccalian I meant - I haven't risen to the heights of a Beau Decca!!

RojDW48 · 5th Jul 2019, 12:21 pm

I do have a couple of those styli - unfortunately both destined for cartridges in my round tuit pile. I hope Martin was able to help.

tracypaper · 7th Jul 2019, 2:18 pm

Now that I have seen a pic of the actual head, no it's not an XMS but won't the stylus from the XMS fit yours?
Gaz.

Michael Maurice · 8th Jul 2019, 9:34 am

It might do Gaz, but try finding them!

1st Jul 2019, 11:23 pm	#1
Michael Maurice Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Wembley, Middlesex Posts: 7,224	Decca model C cartridge in Garrard RC70 I have started restoring a Beau Decca, fitted with an RC70 and I think model C cartridge. The problem is that though the coil is ok, the stylus is broken, and I cant get a stylus anywhere. To make matters harder, the arm is slightly longer as the Decca head is very short. Can anyone offer any practical solutions please? __________________ Forum Moderator http://www.michaelmauricerepairs.co.uk/

2nd Jul 2019, 12:02 am	#2
RojDW48 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Bristol, UK. Posts: 2,074	Re: Decca model C cartridge in Garrard RC70 Could you post a pic? I have some very old Decca styli - but I can't find a pic of the model C on the net to check compatibility. __________________ '....don't go mistaking Paradise for that home across the road!' (Bob Dylan)

2nd Jul 2019, 11:30 am	#3
Michael Maurice Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Wembley, Middlesex Posts: 7,224	Re: Decca model C cartridge in Garrard RC70 Here are some pictures. When I do finish restoring the Beau Decca I will be selling it so anything that I fit would I suppose need to be replaceable in the future. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Forum Moderator http://www.michaelmauricerepairs.co.uk/

2nd Jul 2019, 12:56 pm	#4
tracypaper Octode Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,234	Re: Decca model C cartridge in Garrard RC70 Cartridge is Decca XMS. [

2nd Jul 2019, 1:09 pm	#5
PaulR Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southport Lancashire, UK. Posts: 3,233	Re: Decca model C cartridge in Garrard RC70 I tried and failed some time ago to get a replacement stylus for one of those in a slightly later Beau Decca. One of the later Garrard magnetic steel needle pickups fitted but in my case it was far too heavy for the arm and deck. It should be ok in an RC70 though as they were often fitted to them originally. __________________ Paul

2nd Jul 2019, 1:21 pm	#7
Techman Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 5,000	Re: Decca model C cartridge in Garrard RC70 I know that the tone arms are all basically interchangeable on the 3 speed decks that immediately followed the RC70, so could be swapped to accommodate different length head shells, as I've done it myself in the past. I've never had occasion to do this with the single speed RC70 and its variants, but it wouldn't surprise me if the tone arms were all interchangeable to allow for a different head to be fitted to these decks too.

2nd Jul 2019, 3:23 pm	#8
Hartley118 Nonode Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Cambridge, Cambs. UK. Posts: 2,198	Re: Decca model C cartridge in Garrard RC70 Yes, you're right Michael. That looks like a Decca type C bayonet fitting head, the predecessor of the XMS type D, which also came in its bright red microgroove version in addition to the brown 78 head. I may be able to help with the stylus assembly. Sending you a PM. Martin __________________ BVWS Member

5th Jul 2019, 12:21 pm	#10
RojDW48 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Bristol, UK. Posts: 2,074	Re: Decca model C cartridge in Garrard RC70 I do have a couple of those styli - unfortunately both destined for cartridges in my round tuit pile. I hope Martin was able to help. __________________ '....don't go mistaking Paradise for that home across the road!' (Bob Dylan)

7th Jul 2019, 2:18 pm	#11
tracypaper Octode Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,234	Re: Decca model C cartridge in Garrard RC70 Now that I have seen a pic of the actual head, no it's not an XMS but won't the stylus from the XMS fit yours? Gaz.

8th Jul 2019, 9:34 am	#12
Michael Maurice Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Wembley, Middlesex Posts: 7,224	Re: Decca model C cartridge in Garrard RC70 It might do Gaz, but try finding them! __________________ Forum Moderator http://www.michaelmauricerepairs.co.uk/