Victrola #2 reproducer: Replacement bushing - loose on neck

[De Soto Frank]

I recently replaced the fossilized isolator / mounting bushing in the Victrola #2 soundbox on my 1918 XI.

It seems to be a loose fit on the gooseneck - even with the bayonet pin locked, the soundbox will wobble a bit, and changing a needle can cause the soundbox to rotate on the neck.

I'm concerned about this allowing air leakage.

I cannot think of an easy way to tighten this up... ( I really don't want to put sealer on the bayonet joint...)


I do not recall where I got this bushing, but can someone suggest who sells the "best" bushing for the Victrola #2, in terms of snug fit on the gooseneck ?


The original bushing was a nice, snug fit. I saved the remains, but the rubber sheared during removal, after a ride in the oven.

Thanks !

Frank McM.

[estott]

The ones I've bought from Ron Sitko are just fine.

[Phonolair]

It seems to be a loose fit on the gooseneck - even with the bayonet pin locked, the soundbox will wobble a bit, and changing a needle can cause the soundbox to rotate on the neck.

I'm concerned about this allowing air leakage.

Thanks ! Frank McM.

To tighten up your Victrola #2 reproducer look at the bayonet connection on the U-tube. The tab that is sticking out take a pair of needle nose pliers and bend up very slightly. This will tighten up the fit.

If you're concerned with air leaks because of a bad rubber back mounting, put some grease on the bayonet fitting to seal it. The reproducer can still be removed when needed and it's reversible.

I get my rubber back flanges from Ron Sitko also, I've always been satisfied.

Regards, Larry Crandell

[Henry]

I had the opposite problem, Frank. I bought a no. 2 from a member; the fit to my XI gooseneck was so tight that I could barely manage to get the thing on there, and when I finally did, there was no improvement in the sound over my Exhibition. Quite the contrary, in fact. The seller accepted the return and I got my refund.

If you do resolve your problem, let us know how you judge the sound from the no. 2 compared to your present set-up.

[De Soto Frank]

Thanks guys...

I'll see if I can get one from Ron after the holidays, and will report on the results.

[Victrolacollector]

Ron has great back flanges and I have bought some from Walt S. on ebay.

[Cody K]

First try what Larry said, and if that doesn't work, wrap plumber's tape around the u-hook a few times and reinstall the soundbox. I use a little plumber's tape this way on all my machines, unless the fit is already plenty tight.