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45 rpm changer/ player

S

slr9589

New Member
Like a lot of you folks I have lots of 45’s from eons ago,put away seldom being played.
I have several semi automatic tt’s bet nothing with a 45 dropper.
I would like to add a dedicated changer just for 45…..
I suppose a juke box would do it but that eats up space!…..What would you guys recommend for either a vintage to rehab…or a newer solution…..?
Thanks
 
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There are a number of changers that will do the job provided you have the automatic 45 spindle. They all will require cleaning of the old, dry, sticky grease and fresh lubrication to the auto mechanisms. Some may require a new idler roller as well.

The nicer ones such as Duals, Elac/Miracords, Technics, and BICs have 45 spindles that are more rare and expensive (somewhere around $100 just for the spindle). They operate smoothly and sound pretty good.

Next you have Garrards, which can also be nice but have a less smooth operation. These are pretty common, but seem to be difficult for most to get operational. They will most likely need a new idler wheel which costs $30+, but the 45 spindles are common and cheap. Generally they sound good, buy have a bit more rumble.

After that there are many options that are similar such as BSRs, VOMs, etc. These will work, but will need work, like any changer, to get up and running. The spindles are usually readily available and reasonably priced. They are a little more clunky and heavier tracking, sound can be ok but nothing special.
 
Why not get the inventor of the form (both the record and the player) namely a RCA 45 player. The RCA 45 J-2 is the most common turntable (i.e., no amplifier and speaker) model; there are plenty out there and plenty of online information on refurbishing. I haven't tried that many changers, but my 45 J-2 has the fastest changing time I have ever to keep the party going.
 
belyin said:
Why not get the inventor of the form (both the record and the player) namely a RCA 45 player. The RCA 45 J-2 is the most common turntable (i.e., no amplifier and speaker) model.
Click to expand...

A. Because most, if not all, have a primitive ceramic or crystal cartridge that tracks at brutally high forces.
B. Aside from the inferior sound compared to ANY magnetic, the potential for wear on your records is exponential.
C. Having owned one of these a millenia ago, it's just not a viable record playing piece today, merely a curiosity piece.

Get a more modern device (at the least, that Garrard RC88/4 - I've owned that one too) and get the most from your records.

As always just my opinion, YMMV.
 
There were tons of BSR turntables with 45 RPM spindles. Probably not hard to find one and a spindle. Good enough for most 45s. You might also get some 45 adapter inserts for the records and see if they drop properly with a standard spindle.
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1tumbleweed said:
A. Because most, if not all, have a primitive ceramic or crystal cartridge that tracks at brutally high forces.
B. Aside from the inferior sound compared to ANY magnetic, the potential for wear on your records is exponential.
C. Having owned one of these a millenia ago, it's just not a viable record playing piece today, merely a curiosity piece.

Get a more modern device (at the least, that Garrard RC88/4 - I've owned that one too) and get the most from your records.

As always just my opinion, YMMV.
Click to expand...

I have a Garrard type A with the 45 changer spindle, but the RCA is more fun. Mine has been retrofitted with a magnetic cartridge and tracking force adjusted to somewhere around 3.5 g. I have hundreds of mostly jukebox pull r’and b’ 45’s, and I find it appropriate for them. I wouldn’t play any of my really valuable or later stereo 45’s on it, but for the average crate digger find I think it is appropriate.
 
belyin said:
Why not get the inventor of the form (both the record and the player) namely a RCA 45 player. The RCA 45 J-2 is the most common turntable (i.e., no amplifier and speaker) model; there are plenty out there and plenty of online information on refurbishing. I haven't tried that many changers, but my 45 J-2 has the fastest changing time I have ever to keep the party going.
Click to expand...

Good Idea. Completely forgot about about these! Had one as a kid. Our neighbor also had one.

Eric
 
1tumbleweed said:
A. Because most, if not all, have a primitive ceramic or crystal cartridge that tracks at brutally high forces.
B. Aside from the inferior sound compared to ANY magnetic, the potential for wear on your records is exponential.
C. Having owned one of these a millenia ago, it's just not a viable record playing piece today, merely a curiosity piece.

Get a more modern device (at the least, that Garrard RC88/4 - I've owned that one too) and get the most from your records.

As always just my opinion, YMMV.
Click to expand...

This was my opinion too until I recently picked one up for the hell of it and while I suppose that still is largely my opinion, gotta admit they're a hell of a lot of fun. Threw on a few totally beat to hell 45s and with that ridiculously high treble, 'Get Off My Cloud' sounded just right. Objectively pretty terrible, but inspiring nonetheless. Mostly a curiosity but I would say for those $.50 finds of the era, they have a certain undeniable charm.
 
1tumbleweed said:
B. Aside from the inferior sound compared to ANY magnetic, the potential for wear on your records is exponential.
Click to expand...

I'm not going to disagree with all your points, but will say that not all ceramics are as bad as you say. I have a Garrard AT6 with a EV149 ceramic on it and decided to get a new stylus and run with it. It tracks well at 3gr, verified by my Realistic test record and sounds pretty respectable running into a ceramic phono stage. It surprised me how competent it is.

I also have a new Pfansteihl p228 on a tube phono and while it tracks heavy, it makes old beater records sound fine. Again, the phono input has to be high impedence for it to sound right.

Next will be a VOM tube console I am restoring. It has a VOM 1200 series stereo changer with a Sonotone 8T on it. Some of the Sonotone carts get a lot of love over on Lenco heaven from some heavy hitters like Needlestein and others. I can't wait to get it up and running so I can hear it.
 
belyin said:
Why not get the inventor of the form (both the record and the player) namely a RCA 45 player. The RCA 45 J-2 is the most common turntable (i.e., no amplifier and speaker) model; there are plenty out there and plenty of online information on refurbishing. I haven't tried that many changers, but my 45 J-2 has the fastest changing time I have ever to keep the party going.
Click to expand...

Does not play Stereo 45 discs, does not play newer loudly cut rock records well, 2 pole motor, crystal cartridge. Mono only. Antique.
 
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