This is page where over the coming months I will add information on the Seeburg mech and modifications to it that I have found useful over the years.
tone arm assemblies from the SS160 and later 70's machines that can be used to convert the mono and stereo redhead tone arm jukeboxes to use this later stereo pickering cartridge.
The cartridge is essentially the same as the expensive 345-03D cartridge with some added benefits.
They are:
1.better balance as this tone arm was made specifically for the cartridge so there is no need to add weights for balance like when installing the 03D in a redhead tone arm.
2.magnetic trip switch as original equipment so there is no mechanical tripping mechanism attached to the tonearm. no need for adjustment,much more reliable and this enables an easy to obtain 4 - 5 grams needle pressure.
3.Cheaper than the 03D cartridge at the moment.
4.Cheaper needle replacement. (the good old mono redhead stereo compatible needles have recently skyrocketed in price since the problems of the later needles having a low output as much as 50%!)
The upper counter balance needs to be modified in shape to fit under most mechanism covers.
I have now had this conversion in my 201 (see 201 restoration page) with no problems. - Super sound on both mono and stereo records. The best sounding 50's machine I have ever had.
Below- new modified stainless steel counterweight to clear the mech cover.
Left - Two original counterweights then the hand made prototype and on the far right is the stainless steel machined one on offer with the conversion kit
Right - Changing the tonearm cradle.
Step 1. Disconnect all wiring
2. Remove the brake cam lever circlip and remove it. (I leave it hanging on the spring)
3. Remove the three screws attaching it to the mech casting.
4. Remove it from the mech. I little wiggling required!
5. Install the new one the same way as removing. can be a bit tricky to get in especially aligning the levers etc.
install new tonearm springs and reconnect wiring.
6. Test and adjust tonearm as per the book. I had to extend the trip switch wires. Try to only use a reasonably flexible wire here
This particular install when playing the first record the sound was a little lower than before and quality had also diminished. Turned out a wire was broken at the cartridge socket.
