Fisher 800c project for 2014

[Phil73]

Phil. Glad to see ya over here. Your's is an Early 63 model, between Omegaman's and mine (10383) probably a couple weeks between them all. Does yours have the AMPEX R2R in it??

Larry

Thank you Larry. I have been taking a long time to post photos, because I'm trying to select some photos I took of the cabinet, TT, receiver and 800C. Since this is nothing new to this group and Omegaman did such a great job featuring photos, I won't be bringing much new to the table. But, I'll post some photos soon; sorry, I'm slow with getting it all together.

AH, yes...the Ampex R2R? No, my unit is only fitted with the removable (unscrew two wood screws to remove)record keeper. Boy, what a funky record holder! The slanted, but nicely made unit won't hold many records. I have an Akai GX-230D R2R that is nearly a fit.

 

[larryderouin]

I initially put my GX-4000D in mine, then found an AMPEX 1260 for it.

As for Tech's in your neck of the woods, our own Dave Gillespie might be able to help you with it. He's north of atlanta in the middle of here and there. He's designed or promulgated 99% of the upgrades and mods (mainly to bring them up to a standard that befits a Fisher, while making it safer to use, and increasing performance with regard to stability, and longevity). He's DAMNED GOOD!

There are a few threads you might want to peruse(There's a test Tuesday!). Practically all of these are for the Stand alone 800c, but they also work very well in the Executive with little to no modifications. Also there are 400 threads that have common mods/upgrades to the 500c/800c.

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/service-bulletin-800c.595931/ The executive is slightly different here but documented so it's a no brainer. This is one I would do.

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/reference-technical-threads.774760/

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...-including-improvements.869822/#post-12731383

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...for-400-500b-800b-500c-800c-new-links.866298/

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/most-common-parts-needed-for-fishers.327561/

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/fisher-consoles-1959-1965.146667/

 

[Phil73]

I initially put my GX-4000D in mine, then found an AMPEX 1260 for it.

As for Tech's in your neck of the woods, our own Dave Gillespie might be able to help you with it. He's north of atlanta in the middle of here and there. He's designed or promulgated 99% of the upgrades and mods (mainly to bring them up to a standard that befits a Fisher, while making it safer to use, and increasing performance with regard to stability, and longevity). He's DAMNED GOOD!

There are a few threads you might want to peruse(There's a test Tuesday!). Practically all of these are for the Stand alone 800c, but they also work very well in the Executive with little to no modifications. Also there are 400 threads that have common mods/upgrades to the 500c/800c.

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/service-bulletin-800c.595931/ The executive is slightly different here but documented so it's a no brainer. This is one I would do.

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/reference-technical-threads.774760/

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...-including-improvements.869822/#post-12731383

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...for-400-500b-800b-500c-800c-new-links.866298/

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/most-common-parts-needed-for-fishers.327561/

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/fisher-consoles-1959-1965.146667/

I'm sure I'll devour and understand all this. Ha! Pop quiz results: D minus, if lucky. I'm grateful to have your support and references. I would be pleased if Dave G. could, at his convenience(?), tackle this restore. Meanwhile, after I post some photos of the unit, I'll be sure to read those links. I'll start a thread today. I know the Fisher Presidents are rare, but the Executives less rare. Does anyone know if there is a history of the number of model units made for each year? I am guessing that is un-obtanium information.

Thank you greatly, Larry. I'll be sick for the pop quizzes. But I'm looking forward to reading the links.

Phil

 

[larryderouin]

Consider that FISHER usually started a new production @ 10001. Production for the 1963 Executive was projected to 19999 (based on the serials on the Service Manual). In 1963 standalone 800c's started with 20001 to 29999. Projected 1964 numbers 30001 to 39999(both Executive IX Model 960 and standalones). Whether they actually made those numbers in 1963 and 1964 is unknown due to various conditions. 1.) Records were lost in the Northridge Earthquake in 1994. 2.) 1964 was 1st transistion year from tube to Solid state for Fisher (mid level and lower consoles started transistion with Hybrid amps), This was completed by 1966 with very few All tube units remaining. The 400, 500c and 800c, plus some of the integrated amps, the X202c, and a few straight tuners. Solid state was the BIG THING in the mid 60's (think space race........). Of the 1/2 dozen or so Executive VIII's I've seen on AK in the past 14 years, most all of them were 10xxx serialed. IIRC Don, You, and I have the lowest known serialed 800c on AK.

 

[Phil73]

Consider that FISHER usually started a new production @ 10001. Production for the 1963 Executive was projected to 19999 (based on the serials on the Service Manual). In 1963 standalone 800c's started with 20001 to 29999. Projected 1964 numbers 30001 to 39999(both Executive IX Model 960 and standalones). Whether they actually made those numbers in 1963 and 1964 is unknown due to various conditions. 1.) Records were lost in the Northridge Earthquake in 1994. 2.) 1964 was 1st transistion year from tube to Solid state for Fisher (mid level and lower consoles started transistion with Hybrid amps), This was completed by 1966 with very few All tube units remaining. The 400, 500c and 800c, plus some of the integrated amps, the X202c, and a few straight tuners. Solid state was the BIG THING in the mid 60's (think space race........). Of the 1/2 dozen or so Executive VIII's I've seen on AK in the past 14 years, most all of them were 10xxx serialed. IIRC Don, You, and I have the lowest known serialed 800c on AK.

You just answered a quesiton I posted a few minutes ago, with my photos. I'm fascinated with what you said. My unit came out of an estate sale. It had a tag for $250. There was a "AS IS-DOES NOT WORK" painters tape on it. At the thrift they marked it to $50 and had a 50% off sale. I nearly fainted. Thank you for explaining the serial numbering. I well remember the hype about transistors VERY VERY well. My buddies on my street were either ham radio operators or into electronics. We have a treasure. I look forward to enjoying the Fisher. Thank you so much again, Larry!

 

[Omegaman]

The guy I bought my 800c from mentioned that he had a spare glass front

The website McIntosh cabinets appears to be ended.
Dan Crosby and his son ran the shop

looks like a dead end

 

[Masonavenut]

The website McIntosh cabinets appears to be ended.
Dan Crosby and his son ran the shop
looks like a dead end

On this note our venerable forum member Joe (asaalah) has retired from the cabinet making business also. Wish him all the best.

 

[Phil73]

The guy I bought my 800c from mentioned that he had a spare glass front

The website McIntosh cabinets appears to be ended.
Dan Crosby and his son ran the shop

looks like a dead end

Thank you! I will figure something out. Radio Daze is expensive but has a replacement. Ebay is so hit or miss. I will get it replaced eventually.