Pye Black Box record player

Pye Black Box record player. Glossy black lacquer cabinet with the lid open, showing a cream record deck, and gold and red Oriental scenes of pagodas, trees and figures across the curved front

The Pye Black Box with Oriental-style decoration is one of the more distinctive and collectible British record players of the 1950s. Its glossy black lacquer cabinet, decorated with gold-painted East Asian scenes, makes it as much a piece of decorative furniture as an early hi-fi system. Although sometimes described as Japanese-style, its decoration is more accurately called Chinoiserie, a European interpretation of traditional Chinese art.

The Black Box was made by Pye of Cambridge, England. The original range appeared in 1954 and was one of the earliest attempts to bring high-quality record reproduction into the ordinary home.

The black lacquer version was the luxury model. Most Black Boxes were made with conventional polished wooden cabinets, while the black-and-gold version was considerably more expensive.

  • The cabinet: Black lacquer with raised or painted gold decoration depicting pagodas, trees, figures and traditional landscapes.
  • The sound: A built-in valve amplifier delivering a rich, full-bodied sound typical of early domestic hi-fi.
  • The speakers: Built into the sides of the cabinet, designed to take advantage of sound reflected from room walls.
  • The record deck: Early examples used Collaro single-play decks or BSR automatic record changers.
  • The controls: Simple volume and tone adjustments, intended for straightforward domestic use.

The original models were mono rather than stereo, despite having speakers on both sides.

SERVICE MANUAL PREVIEW

The original service data sheet for the Pye Black Box record reproducers, which also covers the Super Black Box, is available to members. Here's a taste of what's inside.

The service data sheet for the Pye Black Box and Super Black Box, with photos of both
Front page
Circuit diagrams of the Pye Black Box and Super Black Box with the component values
Circuit diagrams
Servicing notes for the Pye Black Box, including how to remove the chassis and replace the pulley
Servicing notes
Table of voltage and current readings for the Pye Black Box and Super Black Box
Voltage and current readings

These pictures are faded on purpose, just for this preview. Members get the complete service data sheet, unfaded, to view and download.

The service data sheet includes:

  • The circuit diagrams for the Black Box and the Super Black Box, with the component values
  • Voltage and current readings for every valve
  • How to remove the chassis
  • How to replace the 4-speed pulley, and how to change the stylus
  • Quick reference service snaps for each model

Join the Members' Area to see the full service data sheet

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