Edison Opera Won't Lift Reproducer Off Record: A Theory

[JerryVan]

The Opera I recently purchased came with a heavily modified diamond disc reproducer fitted to it, another story. Even though it sounds GREAT, it looks terrible. Wanting to upgrade it, I purchased a Diamond A reproducer for it. Much better! However, the little paddle in back engages with the lift hook on the reproducer but won't lift it without a little help by me. Everything looks good and work freely. It just doesn't have the oomph to lift the weight. That got me thinking. This Opera, #2676, was probably meant to have a Model L reproducer on it, with a much lighter weight. My theory is that earlier machines, originally fitted with L or M reproducers, had a lighter lift spring actuating the lift paddle. In fact, my Amberola 1A, from what I can spy, has a heavier looking spring in it. Maybe my "theory" is indeed "fact" to others. Anybody have any thoughts or further experience with this?

[USlakeside]

The Opera I just bought yesterday has this issue but with the Model L. I haven't fully cleaned it up, so I assumed it was some gunk lurking someplace, but could be a worn out spring?

[Phonolair]

Be sure the lifting paddle is actually lifting up on the hook and not binding by pushing forward on the hook also. This seems to be a common problem, the paddle is hits the hook binding before it starts to lift. I can add a picture if I'm not being clear.
Regards, Larry Crandell

[52089]

I have a similar problem with the paddle in both directions on my 1A. When I start a record, the paddle goes down enough for the stylus to hit the record, but the hook stays barely in contact with the paddle, which causes occasional skipping. Conversely, when I stop the record, the stylus remains barely touching the record. For now I simply help this manually. I suspect the springs simply don't have the same "oomph" after 100+ years, but it's possible that something is binding very slightly somewhere in the mechanism.

[winsleydale]

Would it be possible for OP to post a video of the Opera playing with the DD reproducer???

[JerryVan]

Would it be possible for OP to post a video of the Opera playing with the DD reproducer???

Winsley,

I don't post videos but I'll put some pics of the reproducer up later.

[JerryVan]

Be sure the lifting paddle is actually lifting up on the hook and not binding by pushing forward on the hook also. This seems to be a common problem, the paddle is hits the hook binding before it starts to lift. I can add a picture if I'm not being clear.
Regards, Larry Crandell

Larry,

The paddle will lift the hook until the hook makes contact with the loop that raises the weight. At that point it all stops. If I push slightly up on the weight to help things out, it all pops into place.

[victorIIvictor]

Jerry,

Is this earlier discussion on the Forum any help?

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 48&start=0

Best wishes, Mark

[JerryVan]

Jerry,

Is this earlier discussion on the Forum any help?

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 48&start=0

Best wishes, Mark

Mark,

Thanks. That gives more insight but still doesn't suggest anything new to try. The problem is not like Brandon's was. I did try making some small adjustments, (bends), to the lifting hook to give it the same shape as others I've got and some pictured here but it hasn't helped.

[Phonolair]

Jerry,

Is this earlier discussion on the Forum any help?

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 48&start=0

Best wishes, Mark

Good memory Mark

Jerry be very careful when bending the tang not to break it. If adjusting the tang doesn't help I would be looking at the spring next.

Regards, Larry Crandell