Uploaded September 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
In the 1950s, Zenith produced a line of record players using their own unique record changers called the "Cobra-Matic." The Cobra-Matic changer was also used in almost all of Zenith's combination radio, TV, and record player consoles of the time. This series of record changers allowed automatic or manual play of just about any record from below 16 rpm up to (and past) 78 rpm. It accommodated 7-, 10-, and 12-in. records. These changers were unique in that they allowed a variable speed adjustment by sliding a lever on the front which moved the platters idler wheel inward and outward on the top of a second spinning disk allowing variable speeds as the wheel changed distance from the center. By moving the speed control the operator could vary any speed or set the speed to the standard 16, 33, 45, or 78 rpm by positioning the speed shift lever at the appropriate mark on the scale.
The second unique feature of the Zenith Cobra-Matic changers was the shape of the tone arm. It was actually shaped to resemble a snake. The Cobra tone arm was narrow and widened at the end to look like a snake head. Zenith even molded in eyes to each side. The record pressure bar that held the records flared out on the end to look like a Cobra ready to strike. I'm not sure how much of a marketing plus this was at the time but its unique style has made the Zenith line of Cobra-Matic changers popular with collectors today. Stand alone Cobra-Matic record players will easily sell for between $100-$300 depending on condition. No record player collection today is complete without a good example of a Zenith "Cobra-Matic" on the shelf.
In the 1950s, Zenith produced a line of record players using their own unique record changers called the "Cobra-Matic." The Cobra-Matic changer was also used in almost all of Zenith's combination radio, TV, and record player consoles of the time. This series of record changers allowed automatic or manual play of just about any record from below 16 rpm up to (and past) 78 rpm. It accommodated 7-, 10-, and 12-in. records. These changers were unique in that they allowed a variable speed adjustment by sliding a lever on the front which moved the platters idler wheel inward and outward on the top of a second spinning disk allowing variable speeds as the wheel changed distance from the center. By moving the speed control the operator could vary any speed or set the speed to the standard 16, 33, 45, or 78 rpm by positioning the speed shift lever at the appropriate mark on the scale.
The second unique feature of the Zenith Cobra-Matic changers was the shape of the tone arm. It was actually shaped to resemble a snake. The Cobra tone arm was narrow and widened at the end to look like a snake head. Zenith even molded in eyes to each side. The record pressure bar that held the records flared out on the end to look like a Cobra ready to strike. I'm not sure how much of a marketing plus this was at the time but its unique style has made the Zenith line of Cobra-Matic changers popular with collectors today. Stand alone Cobra-Matic record players will easily sell for between $100-$300 depending on condition. No record player collection today is complete without a good example of a Zenith "Cobra-Matic" on the shelf.
