Hi! I'm new to the forum and have recently bought a Sharnberg Strauss radiogram. Overall tidy condition, tuner and turn-table work but needs new tuner string and speakers. I have a few questions regarding these items. First, where is a good place to buy the string in Adelaide, I've found some being sold on eBay but would prefer to purchase from a local if possible! Second, the speakers. There's a big low speaker and a small mid/high speaker. My question is, if I measure them up can I just replace with suitable ones from Jaycar or somewhere, or is there something that would make that difficult? Third, the tone arm on the turn-table has a spring that pulls it towards the centre of the LP, it seems very heavy at the beginning of the record then has no tension from about half way in. I'm concerned that if I put it on the start of the LP it may pull across and scratch my records! Is that how it's meant to be? Any help with these problems would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Hi Freeway.

Can you please post some pictures of your Sharnberg Strauss here.

What kind of record changer is used in this unit?

Unfortunately, little is known about this brand except that it is from South Australia & the company who made/sold them was called Ernst Smith.

In regards to the dial-cord, drop me a line (my details are not hidden) and I can organise to get you some.

Cheers.

Thanks monochrome625, I'll send you an email!
Record player is a Garrand RC120/4H.
Not sure how to put photos up, but I'll give it a go!

Photos uploaded.
Thanks!

Hi.

I'm guessing your radiogram dates from the mid to late 1950's, going by the Garrard changer.

The problem you described with the Garrard is all too common with old record changers. These changers have a lot of moving parts and the grease used (particulary Garrards) often hardens over time causing the mechanism to seize. The round rubber idler (jockey) wheel for this particular Garrard don't usually present any issues. There is a firm here in Melbourne who can overhaul & refurbish record changers.

The Sharnberg Strauss brand is unique to Adelaide & South Australia and is little known or seldom seen elsewhere. I was surprised to see Sharnberg Strauss branded record players were still being sold new in Adelaide in the early 1970's.

Cheers.

Thanks to monochrome625 I now have a functioning radio! Listening to the Saturday Night Jukebox on 5AD (cruise 1323) with my wife on my great new radiogram!