[Phono-L] Capehart

[Walt Sommers]

Bob,

Do you know the approximate tracking mass of the Capehart pick up? I am 
guess it is probably 25 to 40 grams? The RCA Chromium needles would be a 
concern on the 10-50 or other Victor automatics that use the #5 acoustic 
Orthophonic reproducer (tracking at a whopping 130 grams or so) but 
assuming that the Capehart's pickup is something like 25 to 40 grams I 
can't imagine the RCA Chromium needles would be an issue. I recall 
reading an RCA patent (which I can't specifically call to mind right 
now) concerning the use of chromium on the needles which briefly 
discussed the issue of the relatively low mass of electrical pickups 
versus the higher mass of the acoustic reproducers.

The Victor Soft or Full Tungs~Tone stylus would be ideal for the 
Capehart as well as most of the early electrical pickups. I can't say I 
would recommend the Extra Loud Tungs~Tone stylus simply because they are 
quite aggressive. Others swear by them. Whatever you choose, I would 
stay as far away from jeweled styli (sapphires, diamonds, etc.) as 
possible. Sapphires and diamonds would be great if only the designs of 
the early pickups were better.

I have a feeling I am in Dr. Bogantz's area of expertise here...Perhaps 
he will jump in.

Walt

RBaumbach wrote:
> Tungstone needles are probably the best choice for either the 10-50 or 
> the Capehart, and were recommended by both manufacturers.  In the 
> mid-thirties Capehart recommended the RCA Chromium needles, but some 
> collectors feel that these are hard on records.  Both the Tungstone 
> and Chromium needles are still rather plentiful.  There is a more 
> comprehensive discussion of needles on the bonus page for the Capehart 
> book (see page 5).
>
> Contact me privately regarding the owner's manual and schematics.
>
> Bob
>
>
> On TuesdayJuly 14, 2009, at 10:11 AM, jimcip at earthlink.net wrote:
>
>> After many years, my 1937 Capehart 404G (serial number 10627E) is now 
>> functioning & sounds great & is fun to watch as it changes
>> records.   I have noticed quite a bit of "needle noise" in the 
>> magnetic pickup when the volume is turned down even though the pickup
>> has been restored.   Is this endemic to a properly performing 
>> Capehart as I suspect because all the doors to the record playing
>> compartment are sealed with rubber gaskets, presumable to contain 
>> mechanical noise or does the pickup need further work?   Also,
>> where can one obtain needles for playing large numbers of 78s without 
>> being changed in the Capehart or Orthophonic Victrola 1050?
>> I have Mr. Baumbach's excellent book on the Capeharts without which 
>> the repairman who usually works on 1950s & 1960s hifi gear
>> would have been completely at sea in working on the Capehart changer 
>> but would like to obtain copies of the owner's manual &
>> schematics of the tuner & amplifiers.
>>                                                                                                                                                                     
>> Jim Cartwright
>>                                                                                                                                                                     
>> Immortal Performances
>>
>>
>> jimcip at earthlink.net
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>
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