I've not yet begun to surrender!

I have finally gotten the Golden Voice to sing through the Motorola Console!

This image shows a Sony Reel-to-Reel on the left and the stand-alone Golden Voice on the right.  I'm currently connecting these through the TAPE input on the back of the Motorola Console.  A simple RCA switch lets me switch between the two devices.

Here is a close-up of the Golden Voice and it's (very) temporary plinth:

This blog was supposed to be about the Motorola Console, but the beginning of this project has been dominated by getting a replacement turntable.  I will admit that I should have grabbed a turntable that was closer to the age of the console.  I'm still dealing with interface issues; I'm still unable to mount this in the Motorola cabinet and use it as "stock" - in fact, I'll never be able to use it as stock due to the height of the record changing spindle - it just doesn't fit!  So I've spent all my time and energy on this turntable without doing much to the console itself.

Here is a break-down on what I've done to this Voice of Music 1210 Turntable:
 * Ordered and re-wired the Stereo Cartridge
 * Installed the Amp-Lock kit so that it can be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
 * Minor Lube job
 * Purchased the mounting board cut-out pattern.

Here is what's left to do:
 * Complete mounting board and stand-alone base.
 * Diagnose motor hum/noise
 * Diagnose "thin" bass sound.
 * Install mounting board into Console (dropped lower than original due to taller spindle)
 * Add up all the little expenses I've incurred!  (funny how things pile up!)

When completed, I'll have a console with a functioning TT through which I can still plug the Reel-to-Reel.  At that point the plan is to switch to cabinet restoration.  After the cabinet is as good as I can get it, I'll re-visit the sound quality of the turntable and consider where I want to go from there.

At this point, I'm still very happy with, and excited about, this project.  This console holds sentimental and nostalgic value for me and I'm happy every time I hear it play.  Purchased in Spain by my father around 1967, he has also handed-down some of the home decorations and trinkets he purchased during the same time period.

So here the console sits, in my unfinished basement, but surrounded by some of the friends it made way back in the late 60's:

And the beat goes on!

Catch you next time!