If you’re a proud owner of a Wurlitzer jukebox, you know that it’s not just a piece of furniture, but a cherished piece of history.
However, over time, the tonearm wiring can become frayed or damaged, leading to poor sound quality or even no sound at all.
But fear not! Rewiring a Wurlitzer jukebox tonearm is a relatively simple process that can be done with just a few tools and some basic knowledge.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to rewire your Wurlitzer jukebox tonearm, so you can enjoy your favorite tunes with crystal-clear sound once again.
How To Rewire A Wurlitzer Jukebox Tonearm
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a soldering iron, solder, wire cutters, and replacement tonearm wire.
Step 2: Remove the Old Wiring
Start by removing the old wiring from the tonearm. Use your wire cutters to carefully cut away any damaged or frayed wires. Be sure to take note of which wires were connected to which terminals.
Step 3: Prepare the New Wiring
Measure the length of the new tonearm wire you’ll need and cut it to size. Strip about 1/4 inch of insulation from each end of the wire.
Step 4: Solder the New Wiring
Using your soldering iron, attach the new wiring to the appropriate terminals on the tonearm. Make sure each connection is secure and free of any excess solder.
Step 5: Route the New Wiring
Once the new wiring is securely attached to the tonearm, route it through any necessary channels or clips to keep it in place. Be careful not to pinch or damage the wire during this process.
Step 6: Connect to Amplifier
Finally, connect the other end of the new wiring to your amplifier. Use shielded audio cable for this connection to reduce any potential interference or hum.
Understanding The Tonearm Wiring
Tonearm wiring is a highly specialized area that requires careful attention to detail. The signal levels involved in tonearm wiring are approximately 1000 times lower than those for normal interconnect cable. This means that the signal magnification is far higher than any other part of the system, and the quality and design of the cable needs to be different from a normal interconnect.
When rewiring a Wurlitzer Jukebox tonearm, it’s important to understand the wiring configuration. The headshell uses four of the five wires, while the fifth wire is earth for the tonearm and should be connected to the preamp earth.
It’s also important to use top-quality tonearm wire that is flexible and made from a top-quality conductor like Litz copper. KAB SuperFlexTM Litz tonearm wire is an excellent choice, as it’s made up of 40 strands of 50 gauge pure copper litz conductors enveloped in a very thin film of super flexible silicone. This wire lays as limp as a wet noodle, which means it won’t interfere with tonearm motion in any way, won’t resonate in the audio band, and won’t develop a static charge or create microphonics with motion.
When soldering the new wiring to the appropriate terminals on the tonearm, make sure each connection is secure and free of any excess solder. Once the new wiring is securely attached to the tonearm, route it through any necessary channels or clips to keep it in place. Be careful not to pinch or damage the wire during this process.
Finally, when connecting the other end of the new wiring to your amplifier, use shielded audio cable for this connection to reduce any potential interference or hum. By following these steps and using top-quality tonearm wire, you can rewire your Wurlitzer Jukebox tonearm with confidence and enjoy improved sound quality from your system.
Removing The Old Wiring
Before you can rewire a Wurlitzer Jukebox tonearm, you need to remove the old wiring. This can be a tricky process, as the wiring is often stapled in place and can’t simply be pulled out of the tonearm.
To begin, make sure the power is turned off to the jukebox. Use wire cutters to carefully cut away any damaged or frayed wires from the tonearm. It’s important to take note of which wires were connected to which terminals so you can properly connect the new wiring later on.
Next, prepare the new wiring by measuring the length you’ll need and cutting it to size. Strip about 1/4 inch of insulation from each end of the wire.
Using a soldering iron, attach the new wiring to the appropriate terminals on the tonearm. Make sure each connection is secure and free of any excess solder.
Once the new wiring is securely attached to the tonearm, route it through any necessary channels or clips to keep it in place. Be careful not to pinch or damage the wire during this process.
Finally, connect the other end of the new wiring to your amplifier using shielded audio cable for this connection to reduce any potential interference or hum. With the old wiring removed and the new wiring securely in place, your Wurlitzer Jukebox tonearm is now ready to play your favorite tunes for years to come.
Installing The New Wiring
Now that you have prepared the new wiring, it’s time to install it in your Wurlitzer jukebox tonearm. Follow these steps to ensure a successful installation:
Step 1: Attach the Clips
If you purchased tonearm wire with clips already attached, skip this step. Otherwise, use small pliers to attach the clips to each end of the wire. Make sure they are securely attached and won’t come loose during installation.
Step 2: Thread the Wire
Thread the wire through any necessary channels or clips, making sure it is not twisted or tangled. Be careful not to damage the wire during this process.
Step 3: Solder the Connections
Attach the clips to the appropriate terminals on the tonearm. Use your soldering iron and solder to make secure connections. Make sure there is no excess solder or loose connections that could cause issues later on.
Step 4: Route the Wire
Route the wire down to the amplifier using shielded audio cable. Make sure it is properly secured and not pinched or damaged in any way.
Step 5: Connect to Amplifier
Finally, connect the other end of the wire to your amplifier using shielded audio cable. Double-check all connections and make sure there is no interference or hum.
By following these steps, you should have successfully rewired your Wurlitzer jukebox tonearm with new wiring. Enjoy your improved sound quality!
Testing The Tonearm
Now that you’ve rewired the tonearm, it’s important to test it to make sure everything is working properly. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Turn on the Jukebox
Turn on your Wurlitzer Jukebox and select a record to play.
Step 2: Listen for Hum or Distortion
Listen carefully to the sound coming from the speakers. If you hear any hum or distortion, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the tonearm wiring.
Step 3: Check for Loose Connections
If you do hear any issues with the sound, check all of the connections between the tonearm and amplifier. Make sure each connection is secure and free of any excess solder.
Step 4: Inspect the Tonearm Wire
Inspect the new tonearm wire to make sure it is not damaged or frayed. If you notice any issues, replace the wire and test again.
Step 5: Test Different Records
Try playing different records to see if there are any issues with the sound quality. If everything sounds good, then your tonearm rewiring job was a success!
