Brunswick Ultona Adjustment - Locking Pin and Hole

[E-M-H]

Hello,

New member and budding phonograph collector. I collected clocks for years, but a chance demonstration of a Victor Victrola at my local antique store hooked me.

There are certainly attributes of antique phonographs that appeal to the clock collector: functional antique, mechanical movements, artistry in case construction, quality of materials and methods.

I've only been at it for a couple of months, but have 3 machines, the latest is the subject of this post.

It's a Brunswick Model 105 table top player with a single diaphragm Ultona reproducer. When the reproducer head is positioned to play standard 78s, there is a little play (swivel) in the adjustment. The locking pin doesn't stay in the hole, likely due to wear on the edge of the locking pin hole.

When the head is lowered onto the record, there is a little movement and the head goes a small bit out of vertical due to the play around the pin hole.

So my questions:

- Is this a problem? It doesn't appear to affect the sound, but I'm worried about the slight outward angle of the needle damaging the record.

- Can it be fixed and how would one go about it? It's a little dissatisfying that it doesn't stay in place with a solid click.

I've tried to include pictures to show the degree of deflection.

Thanks,

Eric

This is the outward deflection of the reproducer. Compare the position of the stylus in the first picture (in vertical) to the position in this picture.

[mikejk]

Hello and welcome!

Does your locking pin still have strong spring tension forcing it downward ? If it does, you could try carefully drilling the recieving hole a little deeper.
Mike

[E-M-H]

Hello and welcome!

Does your locking pin still have strong spring tension forcing it downward ? If it does, you could try carefully drilling the recieving hole a little deeper.
Mike

Hello Mike,

The locking pin's tension seems strong enough for me. I assume that would be improved by installing a new spring? I had thought about the drilling idea, but I have reservations...I'm afraid I'd mess something up! My luck I'd drill too deep and make a hole in the tone arm

I'm okay with it as long as it's not damaging the records.

Thanks,

Eric

[phonogal]

Eric,
First, welcome to the forum.
The reproducers on my Brunswick machines do have a little play to them (they do not lock down freezing the reproducer in place) but they do not sit tilted to the side while playing a record. Probably the depression on the tonearm is just extremely worn. I think that if your reproducer is sitting at the wrong angle it will cause a lot of wear on your records. Usually Brunswick tone arms and reproducers are available fairly inexpensively so replacing them might be an option for you.

[E-M-H]

Eric,
First, welcome to the forum.
The reproducers on my Brunswick machines do have a little play to them (they do not lock down freezing the reproducer in place) but they do not sit tilted to the side while playing a record. Probably the depression on the tonearm is just extremely worn. I think that if your reproducer is sitting at the wrong angle it will cause a lot of wear on your records. Usually Brunswick tone arms and reproducers are available fairly inexpensively so replacing them might be an option for you.

Thank you for the welcome Phonogal.

I'll keep an eye out for a new tone arm. Were the single and double Ultona reproducers offered at the same time? I guess I'm asking if this same model could have been sold with the double, in case I found a whole tone arm/reproducer assembly.

[52089]

I'll keep an eye out for a new tone arm. Were the single and double Ultona reproducers offered at the same time? I guess I'm asking if this same model could have been sold with the double, in case I found a whole tone arm/reproducer assembly.

I have a 105 with a 2-head Ultona, but AFAIK the 105 was only sold with the single head version, so mine is probably a collector upgrade. In other words, if you find a double head tonearm, you will be able to install it on your machine.

I also got a bunch of Ultona parts when I got my machine. If you decide to repair yours, PM me and let me know what you need and I'll check my stock.

Kevin

[E-M-H]

I'll keep an eye out for a new tone arm. Were the single and double Ultona reproducers offered at the same time? I guess I'm asking if this same model could have been sold with the double, in case I found a whole tone arm/reproducer assembly.

I have a 105 with a 2-head Ultona, but AFAIK the 105 was only sold with the single head version, so mine is probably a collector upgrade. In other words, if you find a double head tonearm, you will be able to install it on your machine.

I also got a bunch of Ultona parts when I got my machine. If you decide to repair yours, PM me and let me know what you need and I'll check my stock.

Kevin

Thanks Kevin, I'll definitely let you know if I need any additional parts.

Eric