R Reproducer

[CharliePhono]

Is the R a rare bird or a common reproducer? I spied one atop the carriage of what I believe was a Standard B in an antique shop this past weekend. I personally had not seen one before. The machine had the 2/4 minute conversion kit on it as well as a somewhat tatty, but fairly presentable, fiber horn and original crane. My curiosity is up, as I wondered at the prevalence of the R reproducer.

[flashpanblue]

Hello,
The model R 4- minute reproducer was made for use in the Standard size carriage but had a larger top diaphragm like the model N. I wouldn't call them rare but they certainly do not turn up that often. I would think they are much less common than the model K. A nice model K reproducer is worth around $250/$275 so I would think a model R would be in the same ball park.
Pete

[CharliePhono]

Thank you, Flashpanblue!

[rgordon939]

I'd be interested to know what model Standard it was. Maybe an E, F or G with the large carriage.

Rich Gordon

[CharliePhono]

I'd be interested to know what model Standard it was. Maybe an E, F or G with the large carriage.

Rich Gordon

It appeared to be a late model B with the early style 2-4 gear conversion kit. It sported the banner decal. It appeared to be the conventional standard carriage.

[MicaMonster]

The main issue with that reproducer the expansion of the pot metal. They crack and fall apart. Or they swell so much that they cannot be disassembled for servicing. I have rebuilt several of these, and it was not a walk in the park. Sometimes they simply cannot be disassembled. If you want a superb sounding reproducer buy one of the Max Wurker ones.

[CharliePhono]

The main issue with that reproducer the expansion of the pot metal. They crack and fall apart. Or they swell so much that they cannot be disassembled for servicing. I have rebuilt several of these, and it was not a walk in the park. Sometimes they simply cannot be disassembled. If you want a superb sounding reproducer buy one of the Max Wurker ones.

Indeed. When I was inspecting the machine, I wanted to get a closer look at the reproducer, so, after loosening the set screw, very gingerly attempted to move it -- it wouldn't budge. I thought then there had to be pot metal composition and let it be. It was stuck fast in the carriage.