Baldwin 124B Keeps Blowing Fuse

[Guest]

I just got this organ. Everything worked on it properly. Albeit the muted reed pot is a little scratchy. But it all worked.

Delighted by that after playing on it for a little bit. I decided to take a damp rag and clean it. As it was rather filthy. I get it mostly clean and decide to turn it back on again.

It turned on for half a second and died. The fuse blew. So I got some new fuses the next day. It's still blowing them. I looked and have yet to find a component that took a dump on the boards.

At first I thought maybe I sent a little moisture down in the abyss. But after a hot night and day in July. Surely if that were the case, it would be dry and fine by now...

What's common to fry on this thing? I don't wish to order a board (if parts are even still available) if it came down to it. I'd just assume solder another component on.

[andyg]

There won't be any boards available, as the organ is from 1972. Most, if not all of the electronic components on the boards, will be pretty standard, though.

Given the age of the organ, I'd suspect the power supply, in particular the electrolytic caps. Worth changing them anyway as it's a cheap and easy thing to do if you have the soldering iron and the soldering skills. Also worth double checking that nothing has fallen into the organ or come loose and is shorting something, and check for any unseen rodent damage to wiring etc.

Be aware that the value of the organ is zero, even if fully working, so don't spend loads on money on it, unless this particular organ is special to you. If you simply want an organ to play, and if this one can't be fixed, there are lots out there - many rather newer, bigger and better than the 124B.

[Guest]

I was suspecting the PS as well. As all the wiring and tone boards from what I can see are in excellent condition. As well as the fact that it worked fine for a little while. I'm thinking it was a combination of cranking up the volume, and turning it on and off multiple times. For the first time in years...

Yes I know it's pretty much worthless. But, I'm sure in full operational condition it would sell to some sucker. Either that or I'll just donate it to my assembly. Then I'll still be able to play it...

I'll report back with my findings.

[andyg]

Those symptoms are what I'd expect for failing e-caps.

As for selling, good luck, but you'll probably invest more than you'll get back. It's a buyers' market and the few people that are interested tend to know what's what. Many of them ask for valuations from forums like this one!

Best of luck with the fix, let us know how it goes.