u/SillyClock1252

In case this helps someone else in the future.

Picked up this lovely condition SG-2500L that just needed a quick fix on the turntable and a clean to be fully operational , except for the bulbs , all but two were blown.

I spent a lot of time researching and there was very limited results on this specific model or range. So I decided to 'give it a go'.

Firstly the bulbs are all Incandescent - No glass fuse type. One search hit on the web stated that a similar model may be 7v bulbs, so I bought the following (not an advert/recommendation).

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004059200956.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_home.promoteWysiwyg_1182415638.1005004059200956

I was able to access the FM and Signal strength bulbs by removing the bottom panel. Instead of trying to trace the wiring back to the board I simply snipped off the blown bulb and soldered the new bulbs to the existing wiring and covered join in blue electrical tape. Tested at this point and they worked fine.

Access to meter bulbs from underside

To access the 3 source bulbs I undid the three screws at the bottom of the front panel, removed all the knobs and slightly lifted the wood case, which allowed the front panel to pull forward , it was still wired to the meters so I didn't completely remove it. Then I repeated the actions again , pulling out the 3 old bulbs and snipped them off and soldered the new bulbs in place.

To replace the tuning needle light you have to pull the indicator off the black 'sled' which the string connects to - will make more sense if you'r doing it. You can then pull the bulb out of the back , feed the wire out , cut off bulb and solder new one into wires.

So 5 bulbs replaced in total - Makes the world of difference , especially the FM and Signal meters , which were just black windows before,

https://preview.redd.it/20shpc63yv1h1.jpg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=03eaefebaeaca6902a272deaeaca0a096b689dbf

Someone was good enough to offer this locally for free , broken turntable , working Amp.. Getting it home the tonearm was stuck , but this was an easy reset of the auto return sequence. Threw a new belt in and it working and sounding great. After contact cleaning the pots, which cleared up some crackles the only thing left is the display bulbs that have failed. I have spent last 3 days trying to find a service manual for this device without success , neither are there any YT videos explaining disassembly.

I have managed to loosen the wooden cover by removing the five screws on the bottom also the 3 screws on the bottom of the facia, this enables me to slightly raise the wooden cover enough to pull the faceplate forward but as far as I can tell you need to remove the turntable first so that I can completely remove the case so I can take some readings on hopefully replace the bulbs.

The turntable is sat on a 'shelf' on all 4 sides of the cover so even though its loose it wont lift up and over the teuntable.

I have attached a few images for context. Anyone with experience of this or very similar models who can advise it would be appreciated.

Image of the turntable

Faceplate pulled forward revealing 3 of the lamps

Image of the SG-2500L