Help identifying a Radiogram, please

[FeudalHorn]

Hello there,

I was wondering if I could please ask for some help in identifying this radiogram.

I purchased it today from Facebook Marketplace and was very pleased to find that it still works, just about.

A few more queries too -

It appears that the tuner is broken and so it's just set to receiving BBC Five Live (which is great) on the medium wave but it would be good to be able to use it properly.

Also, the turntable works - it turns - but there is no record needle, and I'm not entirely sure how it works alongside the radio element - there are four settings on the tuning dial (which works on two levels) Short, Long, Medium (presumably) and then 'G', though I have no idea what the G is for, not sure if this is relevant to the turntable.

Anyway, apologies for all the questions, but many thanks in advance.

FH

[paulsherwin]

I don't recognise it, but it looks like a fairly cheap'n'cheerful model from the mid 60s (it has Radio Caroline marked on the tuning scale). Unbranded models like this were often sold by department stores and catalogue sellers.

This will need some restoration work if you're actually planning to use it. It's a fairly simple model so restoration should be straightforward, but you will obviously have to pay someone to do it or learn how to do the work yourself.

'G' is for gramophone (the record playing function).

[Michael Maurice]

No VHF but an early/mid 60's Garrard auto changer. As Paul says maybe a catalogue model,

[Techman]

There's a number of sections of modern looking and un-matching plywood in the rear of that gram, so it could possibly be home built or kit built using an old table radio chassis. It'll need work and you'll have to do a bit of learning regarding this technology. The "G" position is for using it in record player mode, but you'll have to check whether the cartridge is still working before spending out on a new stylus/needle. You'll not receive a lot on the radio as it's AM only and you'd need to have VHF/FM for all your favourite stations. It's in very nice condition and probably unique.

[Techman]

As an additional observation, there seems to be at least a couple of ferrite rod aerials that someone has tried to add, looking like they didn't have much success by the way they're dangling about in there, so it's been messed with a bit.

[Audio1950]

I'd say it's a home-made job, but by a very competent woodworker, judging by the front view of the cabinet. You say there is no needle, but I can't see any sign of a cartridge in the arm of the deck, but that could just be the angle I'm looking from. The cartridge is the thing that holds the needle (stylus). Is there one, or just wires attached to nothing?

Barry

[electrogram]

The chassis may be a Falcon, possibly stereo, with the other output transformer under the chassis , what valves does it have ?

[FeudalHorn]

Thanks very much for the helpful (and quick) replies, everyone.

Could anyone give me an idea how much repairs would likely be to get it back to full working shape? - and also, perhaps advise if there’s anyone in the Midlands who might be kind enough to have a look into doing it?

[FeudalHorn]

Originally Posted by electrogram

The chassis may be a Falcon, possibly stereo, with the other output transformer under the chassis , what valves does it have ?

I’m not sure unfortunately, I’m new to all of this!

[paulsherwin]

As a very rough guide, you should think about spending about £100 plus parts to have this restored. That may sound a lot, but you need someone with specialist skills and experience - think how much a central heating engineer would charge to fix your boiler. The biggest component cost is likely to be the record deck cartridge - originals are scarce and expensive, though you may be able to fit a 'Chinese cheapie' cartridge which only costs a couple of quid on eBay.

[Techman]

Originally Posted by electrogram

The chassis may be a Falcon, possibly stereo, with the other output transformer under the chassis , what valves does it have ?

It's mono with a single speaker with bass reflex type vent holes either side of it.

The valve on the left looks like it's nearly out of its socket.

If it's stuck on one station it's possible that the tuning drive cord has snapped.

The chassis could well be one of those that you used to see advertised for home builders to use.

There's unlikely to be any service information for it, but it'll be of very conventional design.

The record deck is a good model of autochanger and perfect for this type of gram.

It's actually a very nice looking unit in nice condition and would look good in most living rooms.

You would be hard put to estimate the cost of repair due to the fact that you don't know what's been done to it by someone in the past, particularly that bodge up with the ferrite rods - best to learn a bit and see if you can fix it yourself, although you may have a bit of a task on your hands.

[AC/HL]

In photo 1 the chassis looks to be a replacement, the original being wider (or the cabinet was made for a wider one).

[Edward Huggins]

That Garrard autochanger looks to be a Model AT6 which is a far higher end type of deck than would been found in a Falcon/Ace/Civic type of "furniture store" radiogram. It looks like the whole unit has been tinkered with. It all depends on how much the OP wants to spend and what type of music he wants to play on it - noting it is AM only and Mono. For c.£75-00 one can buy online a fully working stereogram which will be superior to this.

[david freeman]

I agree with Edward. No catalogue special ever had a Garrard AT6 changer fitted.
The usual would be a BSR UA14.

[Radio Wrangler]

in the sixties all the usual magazines had advertisers offering radiogram chassis complete with valves, but no cabinet, no speakers, no turntable. There must have been a fair number of people doing their own woodwork.

David

[FeudalHorn]

Thanks so much all of the help on this, everyone - really interesting to learn about all this stuff.

Can anyone recommend any decent repairers/restorers in the East Midlands (preferably Northamptonshire/Leicestershire) that might be willing to take this on?

[AC/HL]

Take a look at this section. Members offering repair services post here: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...play.php?f=146