Dual 1229 from Europe, is it worth it?

stupidhead · Mar 24, 2014

Hello all,

I am negotiating with a seller of a Dual 1229 and I don't know what to make of something. The original info was the TT had been boxed for 20+ years. Now the story is that it was his Dad's machine and has been boxed since 1985. Apparently his Dad worked in Europe and shipped it home when he moved back in 1985. It has been in the box since then. In an email the seller tells me this
"He also said that if he didn’t already do it, the motor pulley needs to be changed. It converts Europe's 220 Volts to the USA 110 Volts. The motor pulley is in the carton and is easily changed if necessary. The turntable wooden box also has a custom made brown cloth cover."
So I think I get it, but the guy seems pretty novice about all this. Is there any reason for me to not move on this? Are there any questions I should ask, or just grab it and be happy? Enclosing a couple of pics.

Any guidance on this would be greatly appreciated.

Geoff

ConradH · Mar 24, 2014

Sounds like a super piece, but remember that after all these years the lubes might be hardened up pretty good. Do not force anything or you can break it. Expect it to need a good going through even though it's "new". The pulley is no big deal to change.

muovimies · Mar 24, 2014

The motor pulley has nothing to do with the line voltage, but it changes the "gear ratio" between the pulley and idler wheel to compensate for the difference in line frequency - with a 50Hz european pulley the table would spin too fast in the U.S.

If the price is right and the seller seems trustworthy other than being a novice, I can't see why not - might be a pretty good deal, but the fact it's been boxed so long can be a mixed blessing. On the other hand, it's seen less use, but then again all that grease has probably hardened if it's going to, so be prepared to do a full tune up on it - new grease for the automatics, opening up and oiling the motor etc.

It's not as difficult as it might sound (don't know your experience level), but difficult enough and kind of tedious work, but some folks might like it. I don't, but I can do it if it means I get to hear a sweet table at the end

Balifly · Mar 24, 2014

Make sure it is ready for the US standard of 120V 60 Hz.

There usually two pulleys: one for 50 HZ, one for 60 HZ.

You will need the 60 HZ pulley.

If it is there buy it.

If not you decide. :music:

( Check and make sure the internal voltage selector is set for 120V befor you plug it in.)

stupidhead · Mar 24, 2014

I think this question may be more suited for "Dollars and Sense" forum, but what would be a reasonable price for this? Also, is this a 1219 or a 1229?

Thanx for the responses folks!

Ths364 · Mar 24, 2014

Swapping the pulley is very simple, you should have no problem.

muovimies · Mar 24, 2014

Judging from the platter mat that seems to be a 1229. They are practically identical anyway, 1229 is just a couple years newer, superseding TOTL model with just a couple of tweaks, like the built in mirrored strobo. The 1219 had strobe markings on the platter mat, the 1229 has the markings on the underside of the platter and they are lit with a small neon bulb and mirrored into a tiny window on the chassis. It is kinda cool, or useless clutter, either way you don't really need it

Sound quality is supposedly just the same, though they managed to squeeze -3dB off the rumble specs for 1229 from somewhere. Not sure if that is real or just specs.

You're right, this is probably dollars and sense material, but price really depends how much it's worth to you - I take it you plan to use it, not just sell it forward. Depending on the accessories it has, mainly multiplay spindle and multiplay spindle for 45s (rare), those might jack up the price significantly in the eyes of collectors. If it has those spindles and you don't plan to use it as a changer you can always sell them. On ebay.de working 1229 go for $50-$300 depending on the condition, stylus and accessories.

eb2jim · Mar 24, 2014

I have a similar thing. I bought a 1219 that was a bring back from W Germany by a guy in the military. The motor is pre built to run 220v or 120v, so you have to get a North American power cord and make sure it is set inside from 220 to 120. Basically flip it over and noodle a bit. The motor brass spindle has to be removed via the set screw, then swapped out for the 60hz one. So some disassembly is needed. Once you do it, it will seem easy! Also, some Dual's used a non RCA plug, and you have to adapt for that.

12ax7 · Mar 25, 2014

That is an exceptionally nice and complete 1229 but the seller is definitely asking top dollar plus for it (I saw the ad). It will, more than likely, need the services mentioned above and I wouldn't let just any "technician" work on it. Tough call.

MX117.MC7150 · Mar 25, 2014

That's a great find. If you don't want it, please pass along to another AK member who would. If you don't feel up to the task of swapping the pulley, cleaning and relubing then send along to bohhey or other Dual expert on the forums.

stupidhead · Mar 25, 2014

I do intend to grab this and sure hope no one else snags it. It does look like a nice scroe! Thanks for the tip on bohhey.

MX117.MC7150 · Mar 25, 2014

My pleasure. bohhey has a website. Google FixMyDual. Ask the seller to ship the packed TT to bohhey and the wood case to you (bohhey does not need).

stupidhead · Mar 28, 2014

So I did pick this jewel up yesterday! 12ax7 I did NOT pay his asking price. I will post some pics hopefully tonight and I am anxious to fire this baby up! Looks all original, the pulley thing shouldn't be too difficult, and all the paperwork and manuals are there. I will be seeking out a tech to help me get this in proper working order, and while bohhey sounds great, I am in New Hampshire, and he is in Iowa I believe it was. Seems like I could save on shipping by finding a qualified tech closer. Anybody know of a good local guy that I can just bring the unit to?

bobaloniny · Mar 28, 2014

Seth (NoTransistors) is in Brooklyn. He is a hardcore Dual tech for sure.

MX117.MC7150 · Mar 28, 2014

Seth did an excellent job on a 1019 for me about ten years ago. Even did it while I waited so did not have to make two trips.

stupidhead · Mar 28, 2014

Thanx for the lead guys, good to know. Brooklyn is about 250 miles from me, Boston would be more the area I'm hoping to find someone in. Any other leads?

stupidhead · Mar 29, 2014

In the house!

So as promised, here are the pics.

First we have what I was told was a custom made cloth cover. The cat hair was no extra charge.

Which reveals this awesome cover. I have seen others like this on the net. Very cool look.

And it looks perfect!

And on to the machine. As you can see, the original box.

Which had some writing from original owner which confirms the need for pulley swap.

And as you might expect, all the original paperwork is enclosed.

stupidhead · Mar 29, 2014

pics continued

Under the first layer is a nicely packed assortment of pieces.

and the platter shines like day one!

Some of the controls and tonearm.

and the deck.

and finally the headshell.

I am extremely happy with this score, and am excited to get it serviced and up and running. Any Boston area Dual techs out there?

stereofisher · Mar 29, 2014

That cabinet sure is pretty. You will like how it sounds. Have enjoyed both my 1219 and my 1229. Other than the steurpimpel, which I never could figure out how fix that issue. Once past that, if you are mechanically inclined, you can do it yourself. My 1219 needed a good cleaning. Cleaned out the old grease and replaced it. Cleaned and oiled the motor too. Freed up the on off switch that caused thy motor to lock up. Once done, your Dual will run a long time. I end each day playing the 1219. Best of luck with your 1229! If you send it out both Bill and Seth are really good.

MX117.MC7150 · Mar 30, 2014

There are also a couple in NJ who do TTs. Oleg in N. NJ and another further south near Phila. However, neither are members here, and Seth is nearer you.

Dual 1229 from Europe, is it worth it?

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