Orthophonic Reproducer Adjustment

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apruizii
Victor II
Posts: 439
Joined: Wed Mar 18, 2015 11:54 pm

Orthophonic Reproducer Adjustment

Post by apruizii »

I just picked up a Granada Victrola with an Orthophonic reproducer and hear a buzzing sound when playing post 1930 records with higher pitch sounds. It almost sounds like a rattle. Is there a way to adjust the reproducer to stop the buzzing/rattling.

Thanks,

AR

OrthoFan
Victor V
Posts: 2178
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2016 7:12 pm

Re: Orthophonic Reproducer Adjustment

Post by OrthoFan »

For the best sound, it's always a good idea to send it to one of the repair experts for a complete overhaul, but here are a few possible causes and troubleshooting steps:

---Loose needle or needle not clamped tightly.
Make sure that the needle is secured when the thumbscrew is tightened. Check to see if there's anything in the "hole" such as part of a broken needle or ball bearing, etc.

---The stop screw is touching the needle bar.
Using a tiny screw driver, unscrew the small stop screw--that's the one above the needle bar pivot joint, directly above the thumbscrew--about one turn.

---Improperly seated ball bearings.
Unscrew the screws on both sides of the needle bar pivot--best to do one side at a time--and check the joint. The ball bearings should be situated in a ring around the two posts. If not, wedge them gently with a toothpick, and press them lightly in place. The balls should hold the posts snugly in place so that the needle bar pivots towards and away from the diaphragm. The needle bar should not move sideways toward the capped ends.

---One of the spider's legs has come loose from the diaphragm.
This will require disassembly of the sound box and repair.

---Something, such as a loose ball or other debris, may be caught between the diaphragm and the back plate.
Not much you can do here without completely disassembling the sound box.

HTH,
OrthoFan

apruizii
Victor II
Posts: 439
Joined: Wed Mar 18, 2015 11:54 pm

Re: Orthophonic Reproducer Adjustment

Post by apruizii »

That's great information!

Thanks!

AR

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