This auction is for a brand new idler wheel for your RCA Victor 45 RPM record player using the RP-168 or RP-190 changer mechanism, or any other brand using these mechanisms. Made in the USA from zinc plated steel to reduce wow and flutter, and fitted with replaceable rubber tires.  The original idlers develop flat spots after sitting unused for too long, they harden and lose their grip.  I have been using idlers of this design in 45 players that I own for over 15 years now, some of which may sit for a year or more without use, and I have never had a flat spot develop on any of them.  Despite that, the rubber wheels are replaceable and I have a pair (one of each size) available in a separate listing.  Just a drop of oil on the bearing shaft is the only lubrication needed.

This idler wheel design was created by an enthusiast named Willie Bosco many years ago.  I first became aware of them in the early 2000s, when I finally gave up on trying to resurface my old idler, and purchased a replacement from Willie.  He sold them both here and through his website for several years until he decided it was time to retire.  Faced with loosing the ability to purchase these replacement idlers for my growing collection of 45 changers, and being very happy with how well they worked, I decided to purchase the design from him in 2011.

When I purchased my first idler in 2006, it cost $32, and shipping was not included.  I know this is a hobby for most of you, as it is for me, so my goal is to produce the best quality parts at the lowest possible price in order to keep as many 45 changers as possible in good working order.  Because material costs increase every year, I have done everything I can to keep cost down in order to pass the savings along to the buyer.  Most recently, that meant switching from brass to a zinc coated steel with bronze bushing, without reducing the mass.  Despite these changes, providing a quality product is my number one priority.

As many of the RP190 changers have a plastic platter that is already small in diameter, having a heavy idler that can provide a flywheel effect is critical for achieving the best sound these changers can produce.  Even the heaver metal platter models will benefit from a new idler that does not have a worn bushing.  These idlers are zinc plated steel and have more mass than their plastic or aluminum counterparts!  My idlers have a bronze center bushing that will provide excellent wear resistance with just a drop of oil, I’ve never had one wear out.  I am still using the idler I first purchased in 2006 with no wear issues, and no flat spots in the rubber tires.  These idlers are intended to keep your 45 changer going another 70 years!

(45EY2, 45EY3, 45J2, 9EY3, 9JY, 9EY36, 45 Victrola)