It looks JUST like the "Type a" I am restoring. I was intimidated too, but it is very strait forward and easy to clean/lube. The only thing that would be "bad" is possibly the idler wheel (the rubber wheel under the platter that isolates the motor from the platter), and if so, there are severvl companys that will rebuild them for under $40 (or get one on ebay for around $25). If the wheel is brittle, or hard, then it won't keep proper speed or firm contact with the platter (platter should have great torque and not bogg down even when you drag a record brush firmly), which in turn will not allow the mechanism to do it's thing (the changer is completly mechanical and dependant on the momentum of the platter).
Look for the owners manual for the "Type a" on
www.vinylengine.com and it will show you pictures with arrows showing you where to oil, and how to remove the platter (seems hard but it's a no-brainer once you do it). Some simple grease cleaning, then re-greasing with Phonolube or like product will take care of the mechanicals, and sewing machine oil (from a craft/linen store) is what is reccommened for the platter bearings and motor.
This thing will run manually by just sliding the left control to "on". The controler on the right is for the changer. If it cycles when you use the left controler, just let it cylce, then it will disengage for the next run.
If you get hung up, PM me, and I can walk you through it. I was blown away by how good this deck sounded once I got it buttoned up properly. I am now working on mod's to quiet down the rumble (the platter bearings transmit sound through the bell-like sub-platter, right to the pick-up).
I got mine for free covered in cigarette funk and dirt...it look brand new now. I put it on the cabinet my Dual 1019 lives on just to get it running....I haven't taken it off yet!! If your looking for a fun and excellent performer, than you can't get much better, but keep in mind that it not a Thorens 124 even though it look kind of like one.
James R.
