A very new member and absolute new to the world of radiograms. Recently purchased a 60s Philips 228 and although its basically in very good order I do have some queries. It has a BSR turntable - previous owner said it had been rebuilt years ago. Can anyone confirm whether the BSR would have come with the unit originally or has this been added later? Would members recommend BSRs?

Also I have numerous issues with the turntable that isf possible id like to attempt to fix myself but being a total novice I will need help. The start switch works fine and sometimes the auto kicks in and retracts the arm when finished playing (but only sometimes) but when I need to Stop it myself the actual switch is incredibly stiff. Another problem is the whole turntable appears quite wobbly causing records to rock a little which of course is affecting the sound. As well as this there is a consistent noise when records are rotating. Ive bitten the bullet and removed the platter, thinking that may give me a clue and let me see how things work. Didnt appear to be a dust issue but I did (very carefully) go over everything with a cotton bud. Not sure whether this was ok to do. But when I put the C ring back on (tricky little suckers that they are) nothing changed. Should I be taking the whole turntable out? Not sure what id do once I did that though

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Yvonne

The turntable /changer is probably wobbly because they sit on springs. That is to try and use the decks moments of inertia to cushion the vibration that causes the tone arm to jump: Often damaging the record.

Most of the issues with failure to operate relate to it never having been serviced in decades. The grease soap dries out & often hardens & motor & platter bearings all need lubrication about every 500Hrs. This rarely gets done.

Marc

Hi Yvonne,

Call me if you like and I can explain what to do . I service these all the time.

Cheers
Vic

Thanks Marcc and I agree, its probably long overdue for a service.

A comment on BSR (British Sonotone) I have temporarily put one in a HMV R53B as the Garrard in it is an over engineered abomination with absolutely too many moving parts. The BSR is normally a lot less complex..... But! In some models and I have had one, which had to be scrapped as whatever they grease, or whatever,used on the spindle bush of the platter to apparently lubricate it, actually in time welded it to the spindle and it was absolutely impossible to separate the two with out damage.

The Garrard did initially have problems caused by dried out grease soap & I suspect that may have contributed to its current problems, albeit handling also has.

Thanks again Marcc, my daughter has a unit with a Garrard and I was wondering which might be the best to "fiddle" with in the first instance to try to sort out some issues and think ill stick to the BSR if it is less complex. Ok, well here I go....about to take this turntable apart.

Many of those had bushes in the motor with an oil pad HMV section of AORSM's has some info on the Garrard & somewhere there is info on Collaro.

You really only have to remove the platter to get at it and a few other moving parts under it. The rest is done from the bottom. At the base of the spindle where the platter sits there is often a roller bearing with a thrust washer sitting on top of it. Don't loose any of it.

Remove dry grease soap and don't mix the old grease with new. You have no idea what it is, its probably got fretted metal in it and as different brands can use different chemicals in them, mixing can sent the grease solid. CASA has warned against it & I have seen it.

Marc

Collaro RC511 and 3RC511 are covered among Astor.

Hi Yvonne,

I often service both Garrard and BSR changes and can assist also if you like.

Cheers
Scott

Hi Yvonne
I've not seen a BSR changer in a Philips radiogram before and I've serviced quite a few, however in saying that nothing is impossible. Usually Philips used their own record changers which can be a pain the the neck to service but usually can be repaired ok. As previously mentioned, the BSR changers are quite simple and very reliable once given a service. I've serviced masses of them over the years and I rarely get any back as they go forever basically.

The platter can be freed from the centre spindle with heat (carefully or a meltdown can occur). Heat softens the old grease lubricant. 20% I'd service have this problem. Sometimes when people try and force the platter to turn on the spindle it can loosen the spindle where its connected to the base. This requires some simple surgery but can also be repaired easily.

I noticed a couple of the guys said you could call them so I'm sure you're all set now.

Good luck with your restoration.

Cheers,
George

Be very careful with the platter. Any grease must be removed or it is likely to destroy the new. At the base of the spindle there is often a thrust washer with a ring of roller balls. Those are not caged & are easily lost & I have had to replace some.

Note previous grease warning.