Correct Reproducer for a Vertical Crank Columbia AJ?

[Rexophone]

I recently purchased a Columbia AJ disc machine. Mine is the earlier AJ with the vertical crank. The machine was built from original and a few reproduction parts. It has an Analyzing Reproducer with the typical spring-loaded needle release lever. I have seen earlier (I assume) Analyzing Reproducers with a thumb screw. Since the vertical crank AJ is one of Columbia's earliest disc machines, is it more appropriate to have a thumb screw Analyzing Reproducer? I also see an early AJ in The Compleat Talking Machine with a Columbia knock-off of a Victor Concert reproducer. So what is the appropriate reproducer for my machine?

Thanks!

Steve

[Jerry B.]

Harvey, where are you? It seems like it's the earlier Analyzing reproducer with 1896 stamped in the face and with thumb screw tension on the needle. Harvey will correct me if I'm incorrect. Jerry B.

[Lucius1958]

According to Baumbach & Lackey, the first style AJ used the "Improved" reproducer.

Bill

[Rexophone]

Thanks! Hum? I'm not familiar with the Columbia Improved Reproducer. Is that the one that according to The Compleat Talking Machine is a copy of the Victor Concert? Is there a photo somewhere?

Steve

[Phonofreak]

Here I am. I was at the VA all day, and saw this thread. There are two types of top wind AJ's. The earliest ones had a record hold down, and a Victor Concert knock-off. These were made from 1901 to early 1902. I have the second model top wind AJ. This does not have the record hold down. These were made from early 1902 to early 1903 when the second model AJ with the side crank came out. (confusing isn't it?) The second model AJ had an Analyzing reproducer with the 1886 markings and had a thumbscrew. This reproducer besides the Concert knock-off was short lived because of the Victor patent violations. The typical spring loaded came came out around 1903, and still used the 1886 markings. These were made until 1904. Then the 1905 analyzing reproducers came out for the later marked Columbia front mounts.The Columbia reproducers with the thumbscrew are very hard to find. Until one of these are found, the regular Analyzing reproducers will work fine. Actually, these are a legitimate upgrade.
Harvey Kravitz

Harvey, where are you? It seems like it's the earlier Analyzing reproducer with 1896 stamped in the face and with thumb screw tension on the needle. Harvey will correct me if I'm incorrect. Jerry B.

[Rexophone]

Harvey,

Thanks so much for the information! Mine has a record hold down, so I assume it is the 1901-1902 variety. I guess that would make it a candidate for the Victor knock-off when it was new. I don't expect to run across one of these easily these days. If anyone has a photo of this reproducer I would enjoy seeing one. Yes, I believe I will live with my spring loaded Analyzing as a typical upgrade. Your comments do stir a couple of other questions. So was the idea of a thumb screw also a Victor patent? I always assumed the lever was just Columbia's random way of being different, but did they adopt that to get around a Victor patent?

Another question--I know that Columbia made their jump into the disc market largely without patent protection. That's why the early AJ has no patent or license information on its decal (making it a bit unusual compared to Columbia's usually verbose signage). Once Columbia bought a key patent that allowed them to parley with Victor, the patent and license information began to appear on their disc machines. Dose your second top wind AJ have patent info on the label, or did that appear about the time of the side crank model?

Thanks again!
Steve

[zapper]

Hi Steve
I bought a reproducer with arm and horn bracket a few years ago for my AK machine. Since I have contacted a few people on the forum regarding the rebuild, which I have not completed yet, more pressing things to do. Not sure if this is the reproducer you are looking for, but here are some photos if they help.
Regards Brian

[Rexophone]

Brian,

Wow, that's rare! Yes, I believe that is it. Here is a picture from The Compleat Talking Machine of an early AJ with what I believe is the same reproducer. Thanks for the photo!

Steve

[Phonofreak]

Steve, getting back to your questions, my AJ has the same decal without the patent information. As far as I know and surmise Victor had the thumbscrew before Columbia did. As we know Berliner came before Victor and Berliner machines used a thumbscrew. From what I read, the Compendium books??, there was a lawsuit over the needle bar patent, so Columbia came out with the spring loaded needle bar. Other long time collectors told me the same thing. Conversely, Victor had a spring loaded needle bar for a short time before Columbia sued Victor. Victor returned to the thumbscrew. Victor reproducers with a spring loaded needle bar are very scarce. I hope that answers your question. BTW, is your turntable the aluminum or a pot metal one? Mine is the very earliest of the thin cast iron ones.
Harvey Kravitz

[Rexophone]

Thanks Harvey! That answers my questions. Unfortunately, my turntable is a modern reproduction. I jumped at a local estate auction this weekend when I saw a couple of salvaged vintage turntables. One looked to be a 7" Columbia style, complete with a rim that you don't get from the repos. Unfortunately it measured at 7 ½ inches so not quite right for my machine. Bought it anyway, but I'll continue for now with my repo 7" turntable.

Steve