[Jukebox-list] Cobra conversion update

[Nigel Pugh]

Hi Francois,

When I used to do jukebox work, we did quite a few conversions on the
1700/1800 series. Like you say, its not as easy because you can't substitute
the arms for a later one, so any modification you made will be permanent.
>From what I remember we did 2 conversions, either a ceramic one, using a
red/black Sharp cartridge, which Im sure is still available, or, a magnetic
Stanton500 al cart (Pickering NP/AC style) - with the 1/2" mountings
removed. You have to remove the Cobra, and then mill or file the end of the
arm recess to suit the cartridge. We then sealed the cartridge in with
silicon bath type sealer. If necessary, the arm was balanced at the other
end, to accommodate the extra weight.
Obviously the magnetic cartridges need a pre-amplifier also.

Both the two conversions were successful, but if you ever wanted to change
the cartridge in the future, you had to di it with an identical shaped one,
as you had permanently disfigured the end of the arm.

Incidentally, some Mexican and South American machines we had, had literally
had the end of the arm chopped off and an adapter fitted that did all this.
Obviously done when in commercial operation, and although good in principle
it looked butt ugly and you would not want to do this on your pride and joy.

I think when yuo make the decision, youve got to stick to it.
I have a 2100 and fitted a Shure magnetic years ago and have never looked
back and thoroughly recommend you take the plunge away from Cobra.

I know thats not everyones opinon but Cobras seem to variable in quality and
I gave up on them.

Regards, and Happy New Year,

Nigel, UK

-----Original Message-----
From: jukebox-list-bounces at lists.netlojix.com
[mailto:jukebox-list-bounces at lists.netlojix.com]On Behalf Of Francois
Villeneuve
Sent: 30 December 2006 14:55
To: Jukebox list
Subject: [Jukebox-list] Cobra conversion update


Hello everyone,

Happy Hollidays !!!

A few months ago, I asked the group if it was worthed to do the cobra
conversion on a Wurlitzer 1700.

I just wanted to update you guys on how it went in case it might be helpful
to anyone.

The first one I converted was a Wurly 2150 that had a rebuilt amp.  I used a
later stereo style tone arm so the new cartridge fit perfectly.  I used the
ceramic Pfanstiehl P-132D cart.  I made the mods in the amp (very easy to
do, took a few minutes).

When I heard the sound difference, I was very impressed !  It is in the
range of the AMI I and Seeburg HF100R with the pickering 354-03D cart.

I recommend it to everyone who wants to play stereo records on their 50s
wurly or that are not satisfied with the cobra (like me ! )

The next one I will convert is my 1700.  On this one, I will have to modify
the tonearm as the new ceramic cart won't fit and the later style tonearm
won't work (I think ?).

Has anyone done it on a 1700 or 1800 ?

Any recommendation for the tonearm mods ?

Thanks in advance,
Bye :-)
Francois


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