Hi,

Recently picked up a Stromberg-Carlson Melody Maker gramophone. Can someone tell me what brand the record turntable is? I need to replace the idler wheel as the rubber has hardened and perished.

Thanks,
John

G'day John,

It will most likely be a Garrard or BSR though unless another member is familiar with that model it may be best to take a photo of both the turntable and the radiogram itself, and send it to me so I can embed it in your post. The photo could assist with identification.

Stromberg Carlson radiograms usually had Velvet Action record changers. The idler wheels on VA's don't automatically retract from the motor spindle when off. This causes a flat spot in the wheel if not in use for a long time.

The "flat spot" problem raises a question. In my experience, flat spots on car tyres (caused by sitting for a few days without moving) work themselves out after about 10 minutes driving. I assume the heat generated by the tyre flexing under use conditions contributes to this.

I've also known flat-spotted turntable rubber wheels to smooth out, more or less, after a period of use. Of course any turntable that uses a rubber wheel in the drive train is likely to produce a certain degree of flutter, depending on the weight of the turntable itself. Better ones always use belts, to absorb any motor spindle flutter.

A few years ago I bought from Jaycar a turntable device to convert vynil records to digital music files. The turntable weighed about as much as a plastic picnic plate and wow and flutter was completely unacceptable, so I took it back the same day.

Has anyone had success restoring distorted idler wheels or pressure wheels, say using careful heat, or soaking in some mild solution?

Maven

I think the idler wheel is ruined beyond an home repair and a few years ago found myself in the same position.

Was restoring a friends Kriesler stereogram which had a Garrard AT-6 turntable and the idler wheel was perished beyond repair.

Luckily stumbled across a guy over in the states whom remakes rubber rollers and wheels for tape recorders.

Terry had the specs on hand for the AT-6 idler wheel and after some correspondence posted it over to him for rebuilding.

After some weeks the idler wheel came back brand new with new rubber and the turntable runs perfectly.

No point in chasing NOS as they will most likely be as hard and perished as the one in your turntable.

Perhaps Terry will have the specs for your idler wheel, worth a try.

Link http://www.terrysrubberrollers.com/.

It will be necessary to give all details of the turntable so the correct one can be identified.