Mid 50s Capehart Phonograph

[moldman56]

I recently bought a Capehart phongraph at a garage sale. I am guessing that it was built around 1955. This is a wood stand alone model with large speakers built into the cabinet directly below the turntable. The drive mechanism does not work. The tubes light up and a distinct hum can be heard but the table does not turn when the off-on-reject control is engaged. I was curious if anyone can give me some info as to where I can take such an old unit to be repaired in the Denver area or how I could perhaps get some info on how to fix it myself. This record changer is well worth repairing. The wood on the cabinet is beautifull as is the cloth covering the speakers. The cabinet and speakers are in very good condition and you can tell by looking it over that it is a high quality instrument. It is a model#4ph55m. I would greatly appreciate any assistance, advice that could be offered.

[Tom Bavis]

Service info is in Sams Photofact folder 284-5 - I doubt I have it, but I'll look.

[TheRed1]

Two Capehart ads from the mid-50's:

The 'Bolero' from a Jan. 1955 ad-
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb275/irwinbay/CapehartJan55.jpg

The 'Gaite Parisienne' from a Dec. 1955 ad-
(Note that Capehart was a divison of IT&T.)
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb275/irwinbay/CapehartDec1955.jpg

[cademan]

If you are a do-it-your-selfer, the hum is caused by a bad power filter capacitor. It is the round silver cylinder that is mounted on top of the chassis. it usually has 3 or 4 individual capacitors in one can.

[Tom Bavis]

I have the Sams folder for the Capehart, which looks like the "Bolero" above. The record changer is in a different number, which I don't have. It says "See similar V-M 950, folder 216-11" Most of the work will be removing old hardened grease... but rubber parts will be hard or crumbled. You may be able to find parts at voiceofmusic.com.