What's This?

[Phono+888]

Hi all,

I just bought a Columbia AJ Top Wind. It came with the reproducer shown below. The Mica was broken out with the exception of the very outer bits. I have taken this apart as shown in the photos but I do not seem to be able to find any photos of this particular reproducer. It doesn't have any stamping or markings to identify it as Columbia. The few photos I have seen with the Improved reproducer from Columbia do not have the holes in the front of the reproducer. Also where might be the best place to find a thumb screw? This has very small threads and I tried thumb screws from Victor Concert, Clark Johnson and other various reproducers and no luck.

Thanks in advance for any help. Todd

[Inigo]

Seems a bootleg copy of the Victor Concert / Clark - Johnson reproducer of the Trademark machine.

[Phono-Phan]

That looks like the correct early Columbia reproducer body for a top wind AJ. I had one just like it on mine. Very desirable reproducer. It is worth getting restored. Wyatt Marcus does great work on reproducers.

[Phono+888]

Thanks for the information. Yes I know Wyatt Marcus.

Cheers

[outune]

Agreed-- A very nice, early reproducer--and looks mostly complete--just needs a thumbscrew and a full rebuild. Wyatt would treat it well!

Brad Abell