New member looking for info on my phonograph

[Roaring20s]

Good follow-up by Uncle Vanya.
It took a half hour poking around on the internet just to find what I posted.
It's a good idea to get an extra reproducer. I have a spare reproducer on a "no name" unit of mine.
I'm sure that gramophone78 would cut you a good deal on one of his.
Log in and send him a personal message via the "PM" button at the bottom of his post.

It sure is a very useful and handsome unit.
Does the door reveal the horn or record storage or both?
Another clue my be found in the motor compartment. Have a look.
You can inform us of the type of motor and/or if a label is pasted under there.

Give this post a week to be seen by those that pop in on occasion.
Good luck in finding more information about it.
Let us know what you find!

James.

[gramophone78]

I believe that they are of Swiss origin. They were often marketed in Britain with a special tag on the front marking them as "The Limit FM". When rebuilt they are really excellent reproduces, and can improve ' most any machine with the standard Victor/HMV fitting on the tone arm. They are particularly nice when used with fiber needles.

Actually, these reproducer are "made in England"....as stated on the back with a 1928 patent date. They are unlike any Swiss reproducer I've seen. However, someone has replaced the diaphragm in your reproducer.

James is correct, I will never have a use for these two. So, if you care to PM me.....I can work something out with you. If you want them.... .

One is really a parts reproducer and one is in great condition.Just can't find the needle screw. Must be here somewhere... .

[tinovanderzwan]

i think it could be one of those sheffield brands
one of the best known is gilbert with its strange trumpet shape tone arm
your tone arm kinda reminds me of it but sans the trumpet shape

gilbert tonearm.JPG (31.58 KiB) Viewed 1884 times

00DSC_0038.jpg (78.8 KiB) Viewed 1884 times

yours does have a similar ring on the body of the arm but further back

tino

[gramophone78]

Since I was warming up one of our hot-air machines today. I decided to rebuild one of these English reproducers to hear how it sounds.

WOW!!!!.....did it ever blow me away.... . I made a short video. Please be warned....it is very loud.

http://youtu.be/nLC7ZsPOXPs

Not too sure why the tone arm above is being shown...?. A completely different type connector is used. This machine/reproducer being discussed utilizes a Victor type bayonet connector.

[Uncle Vanya]

i think it could be one of those sheffield brands
one of the best known is gilbert with its strange trumpet shape tone arm
your tone arm kinda reminds me of it but sans the trumpet shape

gilbert tonearm.JPG

00DSC_0038.jpg

yours does have a similar ring on the body of the arm but further back

tino

The sideboard machine does not have a "Sheffield" arm. It bears an arm which is identical in appearance to those used on the the American Sonora "Tonalic" machines, which used Swiss parts. I've seen the "limit" style reproducers with Swiss markings, and in fact have a couple. Perhaps they are knock-offs. The performance of these reproducers, good as they are, can be tremendously improved by replacing the mounting rubber with soft material.

I myself am looking for a couple more of these units. They are really nice and yet they have not quite the cachet of the Meltrope units.

[gramophone78]

The sideboard machine does not have a "Sheffield" arm. It bears an arm which is identical in appearance to those used on the the American Sonora "Tonalic" machines, which used Swiss parts. I've seen the "limit" style reproducers with Swiss markings, and in fact have a couple. Perhaps they are knock-offs. The performance of these reproducers, good as they are, can be tremendously improved by replacing the mounting rubber with soft material.

I myself am looking for a couple more of these units. They are really nice and yet they have not quite the cachet of the Meltrope units.

Uncle, The rubber mount is very different to what I'm use to seeing. It consists of two nickel plated plates (one painted black), with the rubber with brass ring/pin.
So, one could use a Victor Exhibition rubber mount (same thickness) by drilling three holes and putting the two plates on.

As a side note regarding the machine.....there is a clip on record brush seen behind the reproducer. Although, these are unmarked, I believe they are also English.

[Uncle Vanya]

Those three-hole rubber backs use the same drilling as found on the "Exportation" sound box, so far as I've found. Of course they are no where near the same thickness. Unfortunately, The Exhibition rubber backs that are available to us today are too stiff even for the Exhibition reproducers. I've had good luck casting replacements myself using Butyl Rubber "lap sealant", a product which may be found at roofing supply houses, designed to be used with with EDPM ("rubber") roofing. I used to use black GE silicone rubber, but the texture and surface finish of the butyl rubber caulk is colose in apparance to natural rubber.

[gramophone78]

Those three-hole rubber backs use the same drilling as found on the "Exportation" sound box, so far as I've found. Of course they are no where near the same thickness. Unfortunately, The Exhibition rubber backs that are available to us today are too stiff even for the Exhibition reproducers. I've had good luck casting replacements myself using Butyl Rubber "lap sealant", a product which may be found at roofing supply houses, designed to be used with with EDPM ("rubber") roofing. I used to use black GE silicone rubber, but the texture and surface finish of the butyl rubber caulk is colose in apparance to natural rubber.

Uncle, thank you for the information. I may just attempt to make one. After all, now that I've rebuilt it......the sound is great. Although, my Wife says it's way toooo loud.... .

I found this in a parts drawer. I can't remember the reproducer it came off of now. As you can see it is just a rubber, noe brass ring or pin. It also has a three hole pattern. Unfortunately, a previous owner added three new holes at some point. Obviously because the original holes were enlarging with age.

Do you happen to know what reproducer this is off of..??.... .

[alang]

This is the rubber insulator from a Columbia Viva-Tonal reproducer. The 6 holes are correct. The rubber is the only connection between the reproducer and the tonearm connector piece. 3 screws go in one direction, 3 screws in the other. If that piece you have is still soft i could use it. If it's hardened then it could be used to make a mold.

Andreas

[Rshammond1140]

Gramaphone87

That clip on record brush is exactly like mine

Mulligan