I have been searching for one of these for a long time, I am now the proud owner of a 1959 RCA Victor Stereo Orthophonic High Fidelity Console Model SHC-4. I stumbled on this piece searching Craigslist, I was searching some towns within what I consider no more than a days drive, and bingo I saw this listed in the Knoxville area. Upon making contact with the very nice owner we agreed to meet in Chattanooga on Saturday the following weekend as he and his son would be there for a ball game. The fellow claimed he had this piece for 10-15 years, and had never plugged it in. I still agreed to purchase thinking possible this piece could have major problems.
After getting the RCA home I started checking it out, first off I checked the Rectifier tube, and then proceeded to the others, I had only to replace one 6CG7, all of the others checked out great. Since everything looked so good, and despite my better judgement I decided to attempt to plug it in, it took less than a minute to decide the unit had issues, and i quickly unplugged it. I removed the chassis and made a quick evaluation, ended up replacing all of the electrolytic filters, a resistor, and 2 of the 5 #47 bulbs. I put it back together, and it came to life, even the controls work very nicely despite not being cleaned.
I then moved on to the record changer, upon inspection I realized it was missing a needle, and as fate would have it, I had none in this style. I cleaned the changer extensively, and re-lubricated everything. I replaced the motor mount grommets with a new set sourced from Gary Stork www.thevoiceofmusic.com, I keep a few of these around, the original ones on this changer were completely falling apart. I sourced a replacement needle from Carole's Needles www.stereoneedleslady.com , after installing the needle I was ready to turn some vinyl.
Here you see the finished product, although not completely finished. This is a beautiful piece, and it lights up everywhere, the knobs are back lit, the dial is lighted, as well as the record changer drawer.
I do not do much work on electronics during the summer months, to many outside chores to be done. This fall I will tear this thing back down and preform a complete electronics restoration. I have more time on my hands in the winter months, and I really enjoy spending my hours working on these vintage radio's/record players.
I hope to have this RCA back up to 100% by thanksgiving. Starting thanksgiving day a local radio station "Lite 96.9 FM" begins their non stop Christmas music from then until Christmas Day. I love Christmas music, and I know I am going to enjoy listening to it on this RCA Victor.
Many thanks to the very nice fellow whom decided to part with this piece, it s now a very prized part of my vintage collection.
Please enjoy the unique tuning eye tube a 6AL7, and then some Glen Campbell on a 33-1/3 RPM Album singing Rhinestone Cowboy!!!
