Hi Inigo, I understand that the 'lifebelt' was an attachment of a piece of straight rubber tube used to connect the tonearm and soundbox. It's purpose was to give extra compliance to the soundbox and therefore reduce record wear. It might also help to isolate the soundbox from motor noise. It would not alter the tracking angle (unless it curves) but may have helped reduce record wear with the added compliance.Inigo wrote:Thanks Jamie, I'll try to find a cork like yours and give it a try... It's an elegant reversible way to improve the original design, kind of attachment. Wasn't the famous lifebelt also an attachment for the same purpose?
I will apply this truck to the Columbia no 15 soundbox of my 113 portable. There I use glue for the assembly of the joint, soundbox and back collar piece, for the original six screws cannot be installed on the wedged joint. I keep them with the machine, and it is also reversible, installing the factory red rubber plain joint.
Jamie