Wurlitzer 1100 Cartridge weight

[gordo]

Hello from Australia,

I have just completed my latest restoration. A Wurlitzer 1100.

I have changed the gears to play 45 rpm records and have installed an Astatic Model 97-1 cartridge.

This has the 0.7 mil tip for 45 rpm play.

I have the tone-arm weight at 6 grams. I had to attach a small weight to the tone arm.

Is this the optimum weight?

I don't want to ruin my records, however, if I set it any lighter the tone arm skates across the records.

Thanks in advance

Regards

Gordon..

[robnyc]

Hello again, Gordo, given that Wurlitzer spec'd "10-12" grams for their later native 45 machines (1700-2400) I'd say you are doing well if you can get good tracking at 6gm. The reality through is that these machines are hard on records --especially styrene. The Cobra was a breakthrough for 78rpm where the 3mil stylus tracking @ 12gm was equivalent of 4gm for a 1mil on a 45, but it was still very non-compliant.

When you say that it "skates" across the records, have you ruled out any biasing from the coax or other source? If the arm shows any bias or resistance that can't be fixed, look and listen carefully for any change in the sound as the arm deals with slight wow and warp. Though light tracking is desirable, having the stylus climb the sides of the grooves can cause as much, or more damage as being a bit on the heavy side.

Rob

[gordo]

Hi Rob,
Thanks for taking the time to respond (once again).

When I say it skates across the record, I mean it jumps and skips tracks, any tiny scratch effects the play.
I have checked that the tone-arm is freely moving.
With a (very) small weight attached to the end of the tone-arm, it plays pretty well. I have only tested the juke using a couple of old records and the (very old looking), original needle.
I have not installed the new needle or new records yet, as I am afraid to destroy them.

This has been a long restoration and only completed yesterday. I still need to install the wallbox, final adjustments etc.
I had to change the drive gears as we have a 50Hz, 240 volt electrical system in Australia so I took the opportunity to change to 45 rpm while I was doing this.
I would have preferred to stay at 78rpm, but found records almost not available.

Thanks for your advice, I will install the new needle and records tomorrow.

Cheers

Gordon...