Webcor suitcase TT cartridge ID

[ggizzy]

Having trouble IDing this cartridge. It comes from a mono Webcor 1133 Musicale turntable. Number on underside read '5384'. Many thanks for any help!

 

[zeffer1940]

Your in luck that is a GE RPX magnetic cart. Nice for hi fi mono lps, and 78s...not your top shelf stereo platters otherwise known as a VR or variable reluctance magnetic, I would say among the best 1955 or so..

 

[gadget73]

Mono-only records on that one, and those made before the late 60s specifically. They are not friendly to stereo records. Makes a fine mono or 78 cartridge though. I run one on my Garrard RC88/4, which I use pretty much only for 78's.

 

[ggizzy]

Thanks, I had a hunch it might be this nice cartridge but wasn't positive. I guess its a good find for nothing invested!

I have a Garrard Type A that might benefit from it!

 

[Pio1980]

Peter Pritchard's firstborn phono cartridge, prior to his ADC years.
Edit:
Incorrect attribution, William Bachman designed them.

 

[ggizzy]

Interesting reading about Mr. Pritchard- I was not aware of his history.

How do I determine the RPX variant I have? 40, 50, etc. I am interested in building an appropriate loading preamp. The VR cartridges are magnetic iron as I understand. Do they even require one?

Thanks

 

[Pio1980]

Interesting reading about Mr. Pritchard- I was not aware of his history.

How do I determine the RPX variant I have? 40, 50, etc. I am interested in building an appropriate loading preamp. The VR cartridges are magnetic iron as I understand. Do they even require one?

Thanks

Yes, they are velocity sensing magnetic carts. GE provided the requisite auxiliary preamp.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Yes, a GE RPX, Peter Pritchard didn't design it. WIlliam Bachman designed it.

 

[Pio1980]

Yes, a GE RPX, Peter Pritchard didn't design it. WIlliam Bachman designed it.

My mistake then, Pritchard seems to get credit for them.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Peter Pritchard definitely designed the Stereo GE VR cartridges and likely had a role in the VR II design. The induced magnet design was derived from GE, and Peter Pritchard worked for GE as a designer on variable reluctance cartridges.