I need to do some work on the RCA Victor 45-EY-3 45rpm 'desktop jukebox' record player that I highlighted in my 2017 video about the 45rpm record, and I talk about the value of played-to-death thrift shop records. Enjoy!
The original 45rpm video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l1O07Q0chc
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By Fran

15 thoughts on “Rca victor 45rpm record player desktop jukebox repair”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars gdavisloop says:

    After doing my own restoration of one of these, I was still getting a loud, intermittent hum. The tone-arm wire is a twisted pair, not shielded, and it's held under several metal clips on its way between the tone-arm and the amplifier. Turns out the wire was frayed slightly under one of those clips. Some electrical tape around the wire fixed it!

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jedma Fazzini says:

    Hi
    I have the same type
    Was working properly
    Now when I turn it on the arm oscillates up and down instead to going onto the record
    Any idea why and how can I fix this defect that came on its own !!!
    Thank you

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J Macdermott says:

    I really appreciate you making this video. I recently acquired a similar RCA 45 changer (a different model in a wood case, with a built-in radio tuner), and watching this video was a huge help for me in familiarizing myself with the mechanics. Also, really appreciate your review of the schematic circuit – that was so helpful!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars L. A. ‘Arch’ says:

    The thin circle around the label is called the run out on vinyl records.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Phil Lehr says:

    Hi Fran I have 2 of these that I would like to have running again do you repair for other people?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Cimino says:

    Very nice record player

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Cimino says:

    Hello Fran I modified my 45 spindle to work with the newer thicker records by carefully filing the plastic rest release

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Guzelli says:

    Fran, the center indentation of the record that you are referring to is caused by a set of machined dies as you stated later in video. There were several different styles of dies, but in 1950's through the 1970's there was a spec called out for this inner indentation. BTW – RCA began development of the 45 rpm in 1939 and issued the first 45 rpm's in 1948 or 1949. Great video.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Moyer says:

    Fran there is a spring (or should be in the rear of the tonearm.) take that spring off and you may need only 1 (Nut) weight or possibly none.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars NEBRASKA BIGFOOT says:

    Just bought one on ebay for my 99 year old grandma. She still lives on her own sharp as a tac and mentioned that she wished she never got rid of her old 45 player. Its arriving tomorrow and im really hoping it plays well. The seller did say that when you adjust the volume there is a noticeable hum. I wish I was as knowledgeable as you so I could make sure it was perfect when I give it to her on Sunday for mother's day.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Biff Narzilla says:

    I was just gifted one of these and am so glad I decided to sit down an watch your video on it, particularly the internal electronics end of it. Thanks much for a great piece. Well done!

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Automated Electronics says:

    Here is a video featuring the first generation RCA RP-168 record changer. These had heavier tone arms and in the video it states that tracking weight is 1/6 ounce, which is about 4.72 grams. NEW RCA 45 RPM RECORD SYSTEM & RECORD PLAYER PROMOTIONAL FILM VINYL RECORDS XD10544a – YouTube

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Automated Electronics says:

    You missed the most important part, stability of the turntable speed. Did you clean and lubricate the motor? Are the motor mount grommets soft and pliable? What kind of shape is the idler wheel in? You have a nasty warble there. As far as adjusting the tracking weight of the tone arm, why didn't you just adjust the spring tension? The tone arm is plenty heavy enough. I would check to see what is obstructing it from lowering all the way down on the record. If you are just going to play mono 45's, you could have got a P51-1 cartridge. I prefer stereo cartridges myself. On the 3 tube or more players a P132D cartridge works great. If you are worried about damaging the stylus on the bare deck, glue a thin curved piece of rubber or plastic like on a VM changer. Oh, a lesson about 45 rpm records. RCA created the raised label area so the the grooves didn't scrape on each other in a stack of records. In the boxed sets, originally RCA just put a piece of paper in between the records to protect the labels, a full sleeve was unnecessary. 45's like your red one and the Beatles 45 are made of vinyl. The Bell and Musicor 45's are made of poly styrene in an injection molded process. The labels have to be glued on after those records are made. The vinyl records have the labels pressed into the record during the pressing process. If you have a tracking weight of 6 grams or more, the poly styrene records will be eaten up fairly quickly. A tracking weight of 3-5 grams is preferable.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars KameraShy says:

    The old 45's were meant to last as long as the record remained on the Billboard charts. Then the kiddies and teenagers would move on to the next big hit.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ken More says:

    Hmm, no feedback at all in the audio chain. Very gritty!

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