Manufactured in 1963, this is the Guild "New Englander", a combination AM, FM, Phonograph console, in a roll top desk. This is one of the richest sounding consoles I've ever heard. Very, very bassy.
While it has claims of being stereo, it is and it isn't. By that, the record changer in fact is stereo and so is the amplifier, but the FM receiver must have an additional multiplexer to accomplish the stereo effect.
The tuner has a built in AM loop antenna and 300 ohm ribbon for FM.
Here is the tuner section, front and back. Notice on all online images, the inpt labels have all fallen off. These input jacks are RCA and have been re-labeled correctly.
This is the record changer and record storage compartment. The changer is manufactured for Guild by VM (Voice of Music). The specific model number is found underneath the changer.
Due to age, the cartridge and 45 adaptor have been replaced. The cartridge is ceramic and the replacement is VACO (VARCO) P-226. This cartrige and replacement styli can be obtained (NEW) from:
www.thevoiceofmusic.com
or click the logo below.
The record changer in the console has the ID number:
857147 1242 446
The first three numbers (857) is the EIA registration code.
The next three numbers (147) are the date code, indicating is was built on the 47th week of 1961.
The remaining numbers (1242 446) are the actual VM model; needed for ordering parts.
Note: This cartridge is a bit too hot, causing distortion on loud portions of a record. The solution; install a 500K ohm resistor in series on both channels. The original cartridge is 400mv and the P-226 is 500mv; just enought to distort. This is a good solution for this particular design. This alteration may not be necessary on other designs.
Replacement 45 adaptors can be obtained from the same web site. Please note that every model record changer uses a specific adaptor. Contact VM with your changer model before ordering.
On the left, is the multiplexer and on the right is where it connects to the tuner. A single RCA cable comes from the tuner (MPX Out) and feeds the multiplex unit. Two RCA cables return from the multiplexer and connect to the MPX input of the tuner. It does provide stereo.
This is a three channel stereo amplifier. As per the schematic, two 6BQ5's supply the center BASS channel and an additional 6BQ5 for each stereo channel. The eight inch bass speaker is located center front of the cabinet and a pair of speakers on each side for stereo. Oh, I forgot to mention that this radio console consumes 180 AC watts. Not practical these days.
Very little technical information is available online. This is all I could find, but can be very helpful.
One hidden feature....REVERB! Unlabeled, the white knob to the right of the tuner is the reverb control. Adjustable, but can get intense. Remember, this is 1963. The reverb is that long metal box with springs inside. Bunping it will give you some surprising sounds.
In conclusion, if you have a Guild "New Englander", you have a very unique conversation piece. It's fun to play with and it sounds fantastic for analog, but this is not a gold mine piece.
For phono cartridges, styli and lots of misc., click the VM logo.
