Decca 103, help required.

[Wardjnr]

Hello everyone.

I have inherited a working Decca 103, the problem is I have no idea how to play the records as the instructions are temporarily missing. It does have all the original receipts and servicing but unable to find them at present.

Can anyone help on how I get it to play as it spins but the needle lifts and goes back down without moving to the record?

Also whats the rough value of this radiogram as I have nowhere to keep it permanently.

Thank you

[Audio1950]

You have to load at least one record on to the top part of the tall spindle, and place the overarm (long curved arm) on top of the record. It is only when a record has been detected by the sizing arm (short curved arm) and that record has dropped that the arm will come across to play the record. This is assuming that the radiogram has the original record changer fitted. It should be a Garrard RC121 4D. If not, let us know.

[electrogram]

doesnt the 103 have a platform type of changer, rc75 or rc80 ? if so the same applies as above but there is no overarm, just a small lift up record steady device on the platform

[Edward Huggins]

This is a super sounding Radiogram. It should have a Garrard RC75 or RC80 platform autochanger. However, this is not designed to play Stereo records, so if you are going to try a record on it, make sure it is a 78, a 45 or a Mono LP. It will damage a Stereo LP. In terms of value, I regret it has little. An enthusiastic Decca collector might pay between £50-75.

[RojDW48]

Yes - I think the 103 had an RC80 - there was a diameter sensor lever but no overarm. Photos would help a lot to establish which TT is fitted to this particular RG.

[Wardjnr]

Thanks for the feedback, I have uploaded a photo of the radiogram.

[Wardjnr]

A few more

[Wardjnr]

Hi all

I have managed to work out how to play a record (must think I am crazy) and now listening to some Dinah Washington.

I cannot believe how good the sound quality is for a radiogram being 50/60 years old.

Only another 50 records to get through

[Nickthedentist]

The cabinet & finish look in beautiful condition, I must say. Many have laid in basements or garages for decades, or been exposed to bright sunlight for all their lives, and look shabby and would be very expensive and tricky to restore to their former glory.

9 valves, FM tuner, 10" speaker + tweeters means that it has the potential to sound superb, as Edward says. An upmarket and advanced machine in its day. Not quite top of the range, but well above average quality and well worth finding a good home for even if you don't get much money for it.

Beware of using if for long periods until it's been checked over. Even if it seems to work well, age-related failure of a few small, cheap parts can cause catastrophic failure of the expensive bits in the amp!

N.

[RojDW48]

Very nice indeed and well worth preserving. Has it been in regular use? If so it's probably quite safe to use. If not - as Nick writes - there is a real danger of damage from insignificant little components going pop and ruining the expensive bits!

[Wardjnr]

It belonged to a friend of the family since purchase, I bought from them for my dad who had it a while.

The unit is in really good condition from what I can see so was well looked after.

Would love to keep it, but I don't have the space.

Where's the best place to find a loving owner??

[paulsherwin]

You can offer it for sale here, but you must state a specific asking price and you may not find that much interest. Ebay will probably achieve the best price but is a bit of a lottery as it will need to be collected.

Radiograms of this type aren't particularly sought after because of their bulk and lack of stereo. Edward's estimate of value in #4 may be a bit optimistic, though you never know and may be lucky. As Nick says, it's in unusually good cosmetic condition.

[Mikeymushradio]

P.M. sent.