The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Would it be hard to repair this brake. The 'wire' broke. I believe this is a German brake. I have few tools so maybe you know someone in the U.S. that can repair it?

I'm sure someone here can help with the repair good luck!

Fran

If there is a good hobby or model shop in your area, they should carry the wire of what you need. It is called piano wire or music wire. Bring your item to the store to make sure you get the right thickness and diameter.
Harvey Kravitz

It is not ordinary wire, it is spring steel. Not sure if Piano wire would do the trick?

I've used piano wire to repair a Victor break. This is the round brake for the early alpha series machines, like the Victor P or R. It takes some effort to bent it to the right shape. Then it has to be trimmed with a Dremel tool. It has the right springiness for this application. I have used that wire with other model applications such as slot cars and model trains.
Harvey Kravitz

Steel "Music wire" / "piano wire" is hard and springy... it is not at all soft and docile like "baling wire" or iron tie-wire.


As Harvey mentioned, it comes in a variety of diameters, so have your original part handy to match the diameter.


If you know any piano technicians, they can probably fix you up with exactly what you need.

Thanks, all for your replies. As it turns out I gave it to a guy that works on player pianos and phonographs too. He did have problems removing the old wire and so said he had to call another guy and so I still wait. The worst part is waiting if you ask me. ha ha

I'll bet that wire was tempered *after* it was bent into shape. Trying to bend tempered wire can be a real frustration.

If you are skilled at silver soldering rendering a small blob at the break. Should take care of the issue and still allow it to function sufficiently. If you are not skilled at silver soldering take it to a good jeweler who services his own merchandise and who can silver solder!

A break in the brake...