What is wrong with my soundbox?

[RDGCrusader]

Hi Everyone,

I entered the hobby this past December-January when I purchased a Columbia Meteor, circa 1914 as I have been told, off of Ebay. It's a great little machine that works wonderfully, but since last night the soundbox has started making this nasty rattling sound whenever the the recording hits a higher note, usually anything above a middle C. This is considerably worse when there are either saxophones or horns in the song. From my extremely limited knowledge about reproducers, nothing looks wrong. Can anybody help me out with this?

Here's a picture of the reproducer

Thanks
-Colin

[downsouth]

It seems to be in need of a rebuild. A new set of gaskets can do wonders for and old reproducer. Also, your needle bar may have a little play in the pivots which can usually be adjusted.

Wes

[RDGCrusader]

Thanks Wes, I'll try the needle bar. Just tighten the hex-nut on each side?

[estott]

I think with those you tighten the threaded pivot screws- the hex nuts are just lock nuts to hold them in place.

[downsouth]

Yes those are locknuts. Back them off a little, tighten the screws and then retighten the locknuts, A jewlers screwdriver should do it. Don't force the screws.

Wes

[David Spanovich]

What is the diaphragm made from? In the photo it looks like some type of composite material. (I've never seen this type of sound box "in the flesh," so I'm curious.)

DS

[RDGCrusader]

What is the diaphragm made from? In the photo it looks like some type of composite material. (I've never seen this type of sound box "in the flesh," so I'm curious.)

DS

I think its mica, but I can't be sure

[RDGCrusader]

By the way, I tightened her up, and she's back to normal. Thanks everyone!

[downsouth]

Thats good to hear. Glad to help. I still would not rule out a rebuild someday. You won't believe the difference once its done.

Wes

[RDGCrusader]

Thats good to hear. Glad to help. I still would not rule out a rebuild someday. You won't believe the difference once its done.

Wes

I will rebuild it someday, I just want to learn more about it before I attempt to.