The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have an interest in knowing what the thoughts and opinions are on both Heineman and Saal Motors (full size motors with more than one mainspring)?

What is the quality of these motors? downfalls etc? things you like or dislike?



My experience with Heineman is that I like the ease of working on them, however, the downside is the fiber turntable gear that seems to wear out. Also, they can be somewhat noisy. I had mainsprings replaced in 1993/1994 and they have been working great ever since!

I prefer the Saal Motors over Heinemann, seems they run alot smoother and quieter. The motors seem stronger than Heineman. I do not own a machine with a Saal Motor, seen a couple in Silvertone machines.

I have a Silvertone with a two spring Saal motor. It's well built and runs smoothly. The only problem I see with it is that the spring are a bit lightweight - as if they've got about the same power as a strong single spring motor. It is very small relative to the size of the machine - it's a large upright but the motor would fit a table model.