Does this description of a turntable autochanger unit ring a bell? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Collaro · 16th Jul 2017, 11:29 am

In the late 70s my father brought home a stereo radiogram which had been donated to our parish's fund-raising market.

I cannot remember the make of the radiogram - it could have been a Grundig or Ferguson, but I may be mixing that up with other stuff he brought home to tinker with.

The one feature that I recall is that the pickup arm headshell descended into a recess and was completely enclosed by a sprung perspex see-through shell bubble with a small jutting out tag. To play a record, you pulled back this bubble and the headshell popped up ready for action.

It was an autochanger, and to activate the auto mode, you simply pulled this shell all the way back (manual was a little over midway, just to release the headshell and get the turntable revolving).

The unit would have been out of our house by 1979 when dad bought a brand new Bang & Olufsen system.

I have scoured internet images but have not found anything like this.

Anyone this rings a bell with?

Thanks!

Tom_I · 16th Jul 2017, 2:47 pm

The Grundig GW10 autochanger, circa 1960, seems a likely candidate. More information at the excellent Nederlands Grammofoon Genootschap site.

Collaro · 16th Jul 2017, 6:53 pm

Yep that's it! Thanks - this forum has answered a question that has been knocking around in my head for YEARS!!!

Well done

Mike

stevehertz · 16th Jul 2017, 9:14 pm

So, you gonna go out and buy one now? I think you should!

Collaro · 17th Jul 2017, 12:47 pm

Is that the devil whispering in my ear?

16th Jul 2017, 11:29 am	#1
Collaro Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Great Malvern, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 72	Does this description of a turntable autochanger unit ring a bell? In the late 70s my father brought home a stereo radiogram which had been donated to our parish's fund-raising market. I cannot remember the make of the radiogram - it could have been a Grundig or Ferguson, but I may be mixing that up with other stuff he brought home to tinker with. The one feature that I recall is that the pickup arm headshell descended into a recess and was completely enclosed by a sprung perspex see-through shell bubble with a small jutting out tag. To play a record, you pulled back this bubble and the headshell popped up ready for action. It was an autochanger, and to activate the auto mode, you simply pulled this shell all the way back (manual was a little over midway, just to release the headshell and get the turntable revolving). The unit would have been out of our house by 1979 when dad bought a brand new Bang & Olufsen system. I have scoured internet images but have not found anything like this. Anyone this rings a bell with? Thanks!

16th Jul 2017, 2:47 pm	#2
Tom_I Heptode Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: North Herts. UK. Posts: 549	Re: Does this description of a turntable autochanger unit ring a bell? The Grundig GW10 autochanger, circa 1960, seems a likely candidate. More information at the excellent Nederlands Grammofoon Genootschap site. Attached Thumbnails

16th Jul 2017, 6:53 pm	#3
Collaro Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Great Malvern, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 72	Re: Does this description of a turntable autochanger unit ring a bell? Yep that's it! Thanks - this forum has answered a question that has been knocking around in my head for YEARS!!! Well done Mike

16th Jul 2017, 9:14 pm	#4
stevehertz Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 8,834	Re: Does this description of a turntable autochanger unit ring a bell? So, you gonna go out and buy one now? I think you should! __________________ A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..

17th Jul 2017, 12:47 pm	#5
Collaro Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Great Malvern, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 72	Re: Does this description of a turntable autochanger unit ring a bell? Is that the devil whispering in my ear?