Bogen B 50-16
S/N#22993
Here is what it looks like now ...
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Here is what it looked like when I got it ...
Goal with this deck: To try out a vintage mono table and see if I like enough to collect a few mono LPs from the 50's and 60's. -----
I have learned that once you have one or two turntables capable of delivering high quality sound, the idea of getting an old TT for mono play is intriguing. Especially when you can get a starter table for cheap.
Introducing my Bogen B 50-16 ... I just bought this yesterday on the auction site and don't know much other than the motor works, and the main bearing is leaking. I plan to pull the deck completely apart, service the motor (I've done this to two L75 motors), and get a metal idler wheel with new rubber. There are a few options there, but I have to decide how much I'm willing to spend on this table. I have no interest in swapping out the platter or main bearing and if the tonearm can be brought back to good condition, I'll keep it. I like the idea of keeping this original, but with new wiring, new paint job (or powdercoat), and custom plinth.
The seller doesn't know anything about the table, which leads me to believe they inherited the unit, or found at a garage sale. Who knows. But I can see a couple of things, including the broken power lever, which I'll want to replace, and I can't tell if the speed selector is supposed to have a handle on it.
Some of you saw my High Desert Goldring Lenco GL75 which turned out nice. I love playing records on a rock solid foundation. As some of you know, these B50's are more like toys in comparison. But I did have a B55 that was really a fantastic deck in stock form. I expect this will be a fun way to listen to the few mono LPs I have, and possibly push me to look for some more mono jazz LPs. I have some modern reissues in mono, but I'm not sure how much I might play those (pricey) copies on this table. It will depend on the cartridge/stylus I end up going with.
I can promise this project will be much simpler than my first Lenco build, and I hope to get this done within a month. It will depend on where I get the idler wheel and how I chose to finish the platter/top plate.
One question about the tonearm. I don't see any parts for sale online, other than the bakelite headshell (mine is broken). Jeff did a bang up job of that hot rod cherry red with Rek-o-kut arm swap, but if possible, I'd love to keep this as original as possible.
I have a nice Lenco L70/75 platter mat I may use. I need to see. That original mat would be nice, but I'm guessing it will be hard and brittle.
So my first question is proactive, considering I don't have the table yet. Does anyone have parts I may be interested in for this turntable they are willing to sell? Like the power selector switch? I'd be looking for excellent condition parts. Thanks!
I did a partial clean to the top plate, but haven't touched the underside. You can see there is dirt and grime to be cleaned, but I think overall, the table is in better condition than I thought. For this reason, I am planning on NOT repainting it. I should be able to clean up the paint enough for it to be enjoyed as a piece of history. Plus, paint doesn't effect the sound quality.
The bakelite plug that screws into the headshell and plugs into the bakelite headshell is snapped in half. I would think this part can only come off a tonearm nobody wants.
Is it possible to refinish/polish the bakelite headshell? Mine has "stains" or spots all over it.
Messed up springs ... not that I need them ...
