Correct Reproducer for a Vertical Crank Columbia AJ?

[Hit of the Week]

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.

Two weeks ago I picked up an "un-messed-with" second model, top wind AJ (however, missing the horn & turntable). It is serial #10713 (stamped on top of the motor frame) & has the thumbscrew, "Analyzing" reproducer with no date or lettering on the reproducer. However, there is patent dates on the case decal.I believe the reproducer is original to the machine .
Dale
PS: Anyone have an "extra" 7" turntable &/or 16" B&B horn? (It even has a nice, original brown leather elbow!)

[Hit of the Week]

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

Harvey & Steve could you please post the serial numbers of your machines?
This may give us some insight on timelines for changes.
Thank You!
Dale

[Phonofreak]

I didn't know there was a serial number on these machines. Where is it located?
Harvey Kravitz

[Hit of the Week]

I didn't know there was a serial number on these machines. Where is it located?
Harvey Kravitz

On mine it is on the top motor plate toward the edge (looking down at the motor from above).
Dale

[phonocookie]

Hi I have a top wind Columbia AJ. It has the record hold down and victor concert knock off. My serial number is 1384. I don't know if this will help. Jerry

[Hit of the Week]

Hi I have a top wind Columbia AJ. It has the record hold down and victor concert knock off. My serial number is 1384. I don't know if this will help. Jerry

Your's sounds like a very early,correct parts, machine.......thank's for your input, Jerry!
Dale