The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Well, I picked up a Columbia Model 120 portable the other day for a pretty good price-$45-and I figured it better service the reproducer, since the gaskets were shot. I go to remove the set screw and pull the reproducer off, and it doesn’t budge! All it can do is rotate in place. Absolutely no lateral motion is possible at the moment. Any ideas on removal? Tonearm seems to be pot metal, by the way.

Hello, it seems to be very stuck due to rust or old dirt. Try going all the way between the tonearm and the reproducer, using an old razor blade to open a microscopic path and apply a lubricant-unblocking (eg Rust Off Würth or WD-40) across the circumference using the applicator. Leave the product to act for 1 or 2 days and then try to remove it gently by turning it counterclockwise. If you can't do it this time, repeat the entire procedure and let it rest for another 1 or 2 days. If you are not successful use a monkey-wrench and protecting the base of the reproducer with a piece of rubber try to move gently but firmly.