1967 Magnavox Micromatic Turn Table Maintenance

Part of the 1967 Magnavox Magnasonic console stereo, this turn table needed some TLC in the form of a good cleaning and re-lubrication to ensure smooth action of the automatic mechanism as well as stable audio quality from a smooth running platter. This was the first time I've successfully used this turntable and it was a pleasure getting it running smoothly again.

[@heyfoo2]

I need to do this to a Magnavox console I just acquired today. Your video is great and will be a big help, thank you.

[@alanmaier]

Just a handy tip or two. When removing the changer, those rubber discs can be disposed of - just pull them out. They were installed for shipping of the console to the dealer and are no longer needed. Once removed, the metal clips simply flip over to a vertical position and allow the changer to lift out. No need to remove them. This will also keep the isolation springs in place. Also don't forget to remove the bottom cap of the motor and oil those bearings.

[@OLLIE-ILL]

Any chance you know where to buy those odd shape mounting screws that connect to the clips? All three of mine snapped off. Most likely because they are from the portable suitcase version and were jostled repeatedly over the years.

[@hpi2beme]

I just wanted to thank you for this video. I bought the same Magnovox at the flea market and it didn't work....until today. Cleaned and greased it and it works! Thank you again for taking the time to make this video.

[@goatlesswonder]

Thank you for making this video. my magnavox micromatic is sounding much better. your video is from 9 years ago and its still helping people!!

[@austina2002]

Excellent video! Really helped me with my console. Was playing slowly on each speed setting. Followed your video and cleaned and lubricated everything and now it plays beautifully. Thank you very much!

[@stereoplayers]

Another nice thing about (a lot of) the W600 series changers, was that there was a muting switch in the area where the audio cables connect to the changer. The muting switch was activated during the change cycle so that none of the noise would come through the speakers, then would unmute when the change cycle was finished.

[@skeeznava7008]

Great video! Instructions were easy to follow and now my consule is finished! Thank you for your help

[@BenjaminGib]

I"m so glad I found you and this video! I have my dad's Magnavox "Concert Grand model 6966" top-of-the-line huge console stereo from the mid-70s. It sounds amazing, but the turntable needs over hauled, so I'm excited to be watching your video.

[@kaseycombs441]

Thank you for this! I am hopeful I can get my "new" 1963 Magnavox back spinning. However, I discovered that, at some point, the power cord got bunched up in the cabinet, and partially melted on one spot that was up against a glass tube. So that will need to be replaced. 😣

[@typsygypsy76]

Thanks for the very informative video. I have a very similar Magnavox that my Mom/Aunts/Uncles bought for my Grandparents in the early 70s--the turntable needs TLC so she didn't want it anymore and gave it to me. I'm excited to rejuvenate it and get it to use again. Thanks again.

[@tough213]

The Magnavox turntables are built like tanks and hardly ever need work as long as it is well cared for great job

[@quad1000]

Perfect...my Micromatic just like this one is my next project.

[@ducklandwikeno]

Great job shadowrider460. Im really glad you fixed it those magnavox console stereo are some good sound ,

[@larryshaver3568]

i agree about leaving well enough alone, sometime it's what you DON'T do that can mean a big difference

[@coding4kids]

Thank you!! I'm about to start on a repair/restore of a portable Magnavox I have from the 60s. It was working until just a few years ago when the turntable stopped spinning (but the motor still hums). Sounds like it just needs to be cleaned up and re-greased. I'm having a few issues taking it apart but from your video I'm suspecting a clip underneath that I need to get to.

[@shadowrider460]

Good luck with your repair. We have to keep these old classics working!

[@jambermigliorini5395]

Thank you very much, now here in Brazil I will be able to repair my device. I am very happy.

[@larryshaver3568]

i usually scrape that grease out of the bearings with a jeweler's screwdriver. it really works well

[@classic287]

I just got one of these today. Radio works great. Sounds awesome. The turntable won't drop the record. I did all the cleaning and and greasing. I can't play the records manually either, because the tone arm moves a little stiff and makes the needle skip. My tone arm is different than yours, but the cabinet is almost identical. It has the trumpet front speakers instead. I worked on it for about 4 hours, but I guess I'll have to put some more time into it....

[@shadowrider460]

Sounds like you're on the right track to getting it working again. You may have to clean and lubricate it several times to really work the grease into all the parts.

[@Sinamundk]

I inherited one like this from my grandmother. I really would love to get it going again just lost where to start. Your video Is really informative! Thank you!

[@dannymandel]

Thank you for making this video! I have a similar one and didn’t know where to start. This has been very helpful!

[@OscarGonzalez-ie3my]

Thank you sir. I was looking for a detailed video on this subject for a couple of weeks. Thank you for posting , it is very helpful and can now proceed to do my own maintenance. 🙏

[@jpmzo]

Great video man. My cats always find a way to participate in my projects.

[@wesboyd6582]

Thanks for posting this. I did my turntable this morning using these instructions. Works great!

[@GarrardAT6]

About time too Johnny Boy...Been waiting for this for ages...haha!!! That deck is basically a Collaro...Don't you just love the way it senses the record size by tapping the tonearm against it. Garrard and BSR decks only have one idler pulley...You probably did, but I would recommend lubricating the motor bearing and cleaning the outer edge of the idler pulleys, along with the inner drive face of the platter. That deck has had very little use! Nice to hear it working at last! Well done! :)

[@jinkrediblehulk9641]

I have the exact same one and I think my kid made it stop working. It worked just fine the first day. Other than that the people who gave it to me took really good care of it. The outside looks brand new.

[@GarrardAT6]

Collaro made the turntables for the Magnavox consoles...Until Magnavox stopped making them. Yours has to be a very late model! I would suggest using Methylated Spirit to clean the outer surface of the pulley's...Yours seems to run so well I wouldn't worry too much. If you go in there again, take the cover off the motor...You'll work it out easily...You're a clever guy John! :) I love the way it selects the size! Almost sentient! Keep up the good work! Thanks for the Great Video! :)

[@kevinbrouelette6361]

I have the same turntable in a different cabinet. It’s my late grandparents 1966 Magnavox and I am cleaning it up, replacing bulbs etc. still sounds decent but the mid-range freqs are not what I think they should be. Have to figure it it all out. Thank you very much.

[@tallboyyyy]

Those record changers were made by Collero in England for Magnavox.

[@shadowrider460]

Thanks for the info. I was wondering where it was made since it didn't seem to come from the US.

[@larryshaver3568]

@Kent Teffetellerwere they in TN already back then?

[@ginocolaianni46]

The Magnavox record changers were made by Collaro of England.

[@larryshaver3568]

Great job, I had a changer like that many years ago.

[@popeyeflyboy7282]

I had a gentleman look at ours and he has it all out of adjustment.

[@ducklandwikeno]

Guys don't lose the spring from under the spinde , If you lose that spring she wont drop the records right . Joel from the Turntable Factory gave me a spare spring when he was alive . That Micromatic turntable is still working as of this day .

[@larryshaver3568]

there is a seller on ebay who sells those, at least he did a while ago

[@larryshaver3568]

I just checked he still has them

[@dannysunay4386]

Good job!

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

Made in England by Collaro. Magnavox eventually bought Collaro outright.

[@larryshaver3568]

I just bought a turntable very similar to that one . it should be here Tuesday or Wednesday

[@jm000001897]

Great video! I will be using your methods to fix a 1970 Magnavox "Automatic." I also want to pop-in new speakers and speaker wire.

[@vintageradioman]

I just bought a Console just like yours and unfortunately I hear a squeaking noise from the record player so if you know what the problem is please let me know and also my cat did the same thing when I tried to work on mine 😅

[@samuelwalker5385]

Is it possible to remove old turn table and install new modern turn table in stand? Thank you for instruction on turn table removal.

[@AmIonArock]

CRAZY kat, I got the exact same 500 watt light,..torch

[@larryshaver3568]

collaro changers were made in Barking-Essex ,England

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

Ugg, those clips stay on. They simply tilt 90 degrees. Yup! Made for easy servicing. ...and it's a record changer, not a turntable.

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

White lithium grease dries out and turns to soap. Use red synthetic axle grease sparingly instead.

[@Texasmann1]

I have a 1966 MicroMatic Model W620. It's been humming and producing distorted sound. The needle is replaced and it still sounds bad. I adjusted the tonearm weight which seemed to have helped, but an intermittent hum is heard as if some grounding problem?

[@myfriendpete]

Thanks for the great video. I have 2 of these I gotta tune up!!

[@Palifiox]

We had a dog that would lies too close to an electric radiator. When you smelled hair scorching, you knew it was the dog. At one time he had a brown stripe on one side, scorched. A hair dryer, not a heat gun (too hot) may do to mobilise old grease.

[@ofthecosmos]

Thank you for posting this. Mine stopped today. :(

[@carlrudd1858]

I like your approach to this work... very similar to my methods. BTW....that's a beautiful platter..... it's fun to watch it spin.

[@alfaman4113]

Cats love warmth. When ever I put the radiant heater on in my room my cat comes running and sits in front of it. Was it cold in your neck of the woods that day?

[@ducklandwikeno]

Your cat looks just like my cat named gill. They like the sun , my cat sleeps in the window for his furr . I think they clean there furr that way sun bathing .

[@johnkelly1168]

I lost my platter c clip any ideas on where to get one Thanks

[@GarrardAT6]

Nearly all idler drive decks have only one pulley and the automatic function is performed just under the turntable platter. There is a toothed cog driven on the underside of the drop spindle. Collaro decks have two pulley's...One to drive the turntable and one to drive the auto function. They always slip badly! Thats why I said your has had little use as the rubber is very good! Continued...

[@gailpeterson2613]

Will this help with a slow, kind of warbly sound?

[@AmIonArock]

I sure wish you would have opened it up so I could. see how this one arm "Thing" links up. now I regret not taking a picture to see how it was hooked up. I am getting ready to dump in dumpster because I am not getting anywhere and I can't the info to do the work

[@larryshaver3568]

i found the cause, there is a spring that is attached to the hole in the bottom of the spindle and another hole an inch or so from there

[@larryshaver3568]

i found super lube works even better than lithium grease. it stays slippery longer

[@robertknight4672]

Got the clips off, can't fix the speed selector anytime soon.

[@kevinmoore4149]

Hi I’m reaching out to hopefully get some help restoring my grandfathers sterio. He took apart the turntable at some point and was not able to put it back together. I have a jar of parts and no idea where they go. If you could comment back it would be appreciated and maybe be able to reach out on a more private setting and lend a hand. I appreciate your time!

[@alfaman4113]

What spins the platter a belt or the black rubber wheel

[@terwemmagnavoxuser768]

do you have any further information on cleaning and lubing the motor of a Magnavox Micromatic turntable. I'm not finding the video that Nancy was referring to.

[@jimmyc3238]

Great video, very helpful!

[@RobertDillman]

Your stereo set is circa 1964. In 1967 the collaro got a more updated look.

[@Musicradio77Network]

It’s a silver one, but I have the same one, but it’s a 1967 version, not this one. This is definitely an older version of the Magnavox/Collaro Micromatic. I got this for nothing, but it was originally a Full Dimension portable stereo record player, but it was busted pretty bad since the unit was in bad shape and I did EOL’ed it and turned it as a stand-alone record changer, and thankfully it works perfectly after all these years.

[@mm-xu5df]

THIS ONE WAS MADE IN 1966 The REF. # 6637 THIS LABEL IS UNDERNEATH THE CHANGER WITH THE WORKING PARTS THIS IS HOW THEY DATE CODED THE CHANGERS

[@joemartin6439]

Good job well done

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

8:16. Nope. Microswitces disconnect cartridge during change cycle. Tonearm scan/indexing on Micromatics tells changer it's finished. Also should have cleaned the edge of the rubber idler wheel and motor shaft after touching with greasy fingers.

[@zacharykendall9653]

I recently bought a similar stereo. The turn table spun two records perfectly and on the third began to slow down. Would appreciate any thoughts on what the problem could be.

[@briansacksteder8524]

That's exactly what happened to my dad's Packard bell console. Now i am trying to fix it for him. Please let me know if you ever fix and i will do likewise. His 80th is coming july 17th, would be great B=day Present.

[@DR3ADDDE1M0S]

I have a Astrosonic that for some reason the tonearm is super loose. Whenever I take it of its little stand it just falls and doesn't stay up. Also whenever It does turn on (this is an automatic one I have) it ends turning the table but the arm doesn't react at all. Please help me.

[@user-ne9mn2fp1v]

what order does the washer/ baring go?

[@chrisfoxwell4128]

Great video. I'm trying to get mine to work. At 14:22 there is a spring in the center of the frame. I have that spring but I found a spring just like that one in the bottom of the cabinet. I couldn't see a similar one in the video. Is there any chance you noticed a second spring and where it is supposed to be?

[@gailpeterson2613]

So I’ve cleaned my turntable and replaced the stylus, what else could be making a slow, warped kind of sound? Could it be the platter?

[@jzuehl1]

Hi there, we've got a similar unit and the turntable spins and have sounds through the stereo but no sound from turntable to speakers

[@shadowrider460]

I'd check the RCA connectors from the turntable to the power amplifier. Also, check the selector switch on the amplifier and make sure the contacts are clean.

[@skidude051]

I am new to old record stereos, but I recently got a early 1960’s Astro sonic everything appears to be in good working order except the arm skates, I can’t find any anti skating adjustments, any ideas?

[@aubreyholder6074]

I have a different console stereo a 1966 Catalina model 122-686A. I have found the issue it is a switch that has a plastic housing the housing is broken. The "off, on, reject" switch that connects to the motor. I'm looking for a replacement in good condition, any input on what the piece is called and were I can find one? thanks for your help.

[@eclolhoop8812]

hello, I am writing only to inform me that today with the technician we mounted the turntable platter. and I wanted to know why the sound is slightly slower when listening to vinyl. as if the turn of the plate is slightly slowed. what could it depend on? I accept advice ... I hope you can give me advice on how to solve it

[@sirhcx]

I'm currently working on a 1961-1962 Magnavox. I'm not well versed in turntables but how can you tell if a belt is slipping or the motor is going out?

[@larryshaver3568]

if the motor was bad the platter would slow down to extremely slow but the idler could cause it to slow down but run erratically

[@larryshaver3568]

i bought changer that is mechanically similar [made about 1968] the record dropped down at first but now they won't drop . can you tell what the cause would be?

[@davidsharp5966]

How did you get the platter off?

[@joemartin6439]

Alcohol Q-tips cleans parts 3 in 1 oil, and on the wheel use rubber renew

[@larryshaver3568]

i didn't type that correctly when the tonearm comes back after a record finishes it goes over and past the arm rest and sets down

[@Musicradio77Network]

After listening to one of the Disney record albums, the tonearm rejects and then it goes back and forth where it has no record left and then it shuts off. That was a nice feature.

[@borders40]

Hello shadowrider I want to know if there is someway I can replace the whole turntable in my stereo console

[@softballgirley01]

I inherited a Magnavox from my uncle, and unfortunately it wasn't spinning properly for him, and is still having issues for me. It is only spinning when it is set to 78 but nothing happens when it is on 45, 33, or 16. I don't own any 78s that I know of, I only own 33s and 45s so the table is spinning much to quickly for them to play properly. I am wondering if it is a wiring problem, but no one in my area fixes turn tables this old. I was wondering if you had any advice. I'm desperate to keep it and get it running since it is the last thing that I have of my uncle, and I know he came close to trashing it. Thank you so much.

[@jar996]

Not sure if you are still looking to repair your console but this could be caused by a bad idler wheel. The wheel that he takes off and greases the spindle and the inside and he said is still tacky. Yours may be hard and not like rubber and thus is not making contact. Mine spins at 45 and 78 RPM but does not make contact at 33 and 16. You can send in your idler wheel to many different websites and they will restore it. I am doing that now.

[@softballgirley01]

Thank you so much! That is very helpful!

[@heywoodjablowme8915]

What did you use to lubricate the gears?

[@popeyeflyboy7282]

do you adjust them for other people? and if so how much?

[@larryshaver3568]

I found out what that album is ,discovery

[@classic287]

Just found out mine is a 1968 model....

[@freddy2699]

What kind of grease did you use?

[@rareform6747]

Power connector for power not speakers .

[@larryshaver3568]

when the tonearm on my Magnavox [1967 micromatic] it goes all the way and over the arm rest. can you tell how to fix this?

[@Musicradio77Network]

There is a set screw on the top right next to the tonearm where you can adjust it to get a better one to tap the edge of the record where the tonearm tells the size of the record where it will land. The tonearm has a sensor on the left side.

[@larryshaver3568]

but that spring was missing when my chager arrived doyou someone who sells those

[@larryshaver3568]

when I try to play a 45 the tonearm comes up and touches the edge of the record then goes back and the changer shuts off it will still work and play a 12" record fine

[@robbimarini1281]

Mine does the same thing 😏

[@larryshaver3568]

@@robbimarini1281 the linkage that raises and lowers the tonearm is at fault then. i wish i could and look at it but i don't drive

[@kimberlyharrison4408]

Thank you for the awesome and informative video. I have a very similar Micromatic model. I’m having a really hard time with those clips underneath the tie-down screws. They just don’t want to budget. Do I need a special tool to get them off? Or can you share a technique? So far I’ve only been able to lube under the platter since I can’t get the entire body out of the console.

[@punkytyme]

I am trying to find info on mine and saw this question!!! I spent 3 hrs trying til I found another video u r gonna freak... Just flip the clip to horizontal position!!! They r not meant to come off!!! Male sure the 3 screws that hold them are snug to player, then reach under flip all three, bam, player lifts right out!!!

[@kimberlyharrison4408]

punkytyme like MAGIC. hahahahaha

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

This is a record changer, not a turntable (one word).

[@mgarcia91566]

So I just need to clean with a paper towel and rubbing alcohol then lubricate with white lithium grease?? Mmmmmmm I may give it a try then!

[@MrKazoozles]

Can you take a look at my video? We have virtually the same player. It stops mid-cycle. Not sure if It's a good cleaning and re-lubrication, or if my problem requires a more intensive repair. Thank you. Great vid.

[@shadowrider460]

It doesn't look like the larger drive wheel is making good contact with the motor spindle. I'd look for binding in the mechanism (which could be remedied by proper lubrication) or perhaps one or more weak or missing springs. Don't get rid of it even if it can't be fixed. You could find another one and use it for parts if you had to.

[@MrKazoozles]

I lubricated the player and the problem still persists. I do agree that it may be a problem with the motor spindle. Before it stopped working, there was a gradual decline in the initial speed of the wheel/spindle mechanism. Would this point to a more serious problem? Thanks again.

[@larryshaver3568]

it sounds like the motor desparately needs to be oiled but it may be necessary to take it apart and oil the bottom of the armature too

[@isaacsaldana2407]

Hi, I have a 1966-1967 Magnavox stereo floor console that has fm/am, phono player and added a tape player. The record player plays but has a slightly wavy drag sound. Any tips you can advise me what to do? I would appreciate it.

[@shadowrider460]

Sounds like the motor and mechanism's just need some lubrication. Over time, the grease tends to dry up causing the parts to start to bind.

[@dannelson6264]

+Isaac Saldana Did you ever get the wavy drag sound to stop? I had my record player serviced and it is still sounding a little slow. Thanks!

[@dannelson6264]

+Dan Nelson I have a Magnavox Micro-matic as well.

[@isaacsaldana2407]

Dan Nelson I haven't had time to work onit. I have other stereo floor consoles (rca, magnavox) that have working turntables. Thanks for your concern update.

[@larryshaver3568]

what is the name of that elo album, I want to look for a copy

[@danmoreno2363]

The name of that ELO album is Discovery it has Shine a Little Love, The Diary of Horace Wimp, Don't Bring Me Down, Confusion and Last Train To London. Those are the singles from that album. I'm thinking about getting that album on LP.

[@hiimchris]

Where does the yellow wire hook up to?

[@larryshaver3568]

which yellow wire, i don't see one

[@mm-xu5df]

@@larryshaver3568 yellow wire is connected to supply power to amp. Controls the amplifier When control switch turns on the changer it also turns Amp on .

[@robertknight4672]

Could you explain the best way to get those clips off? I the speed selector doesn't work on mine. I currently leave the back off and slide the speed selector mechanism from underneath the deck.

[@punkytyme]

Its been 4yrs but jic someone else is looking: I am trying to find info on mine and saw this question!!! I spent 3 hrs trying til I found another video u r gonna freak... Just flip the clip to horizontal position!!! They r not meant to come off!!! Male sure the 3 screws that hold them are snug to player, then reach under flip all three, bam, player lifts right out!!!

[@Re-vant]

My motor stops, I am gonna lube it.

[@larryshaver3568]

But the one I had wasn't that clean

[@forrestallison1879]

Sir I do not care what the weather is

[@QuadMochaMatti]

No one cares that you don't care what the weather is like.

[@kirkwatstien6979]

PICKLE KISSING FLAMER i HAVE TO GO YOURE SICKENING TO ME SORRY