Brunswick 3 Way Ultona Reproducer

[dutchman]

Getting around to working on my big $30 Brunswick. The gaskets on the Ultona are really looking ragged. The Edison side and lateral side play ok,
actually they both sound decent considering the condition of the gaskets. What gives me pause is the fact that pot metal is involved, is it advisable to replace or
even attempt to replace these gaskets? or is this one of those never kick a sleeping dog scenarios? I checked with one of the forum vendors about rebuilding
and he recommended let well enough alone....I tend to agree. Just checking as to the success rate.

Bill K

[OrthoSean]

I've successfully replaced the gaskets in several Ultonas without any issues except ONE. The retaining ring had swollen so much it fell apart in my hands. One out of probably a dozen or so I've done. I always make sure to PB Blast the rings first over night and do the freezer trick if necessary. You can easily get a replacement ring from someone like George V. if yours does break. Luckily with the one I had, I had a spare shell and swiped it off that.

My $.02

Sean

[CarlosV]

I also replaced the gaskets on one with no problems, however that particular soundbox was - still is - in pretty good shape, with no problems to rotate between vertical, Edison and lateral positions. From what I recall I unscrewed the ring easily, with no effort or need to freeze it.

[dutchman]

Thank you gentlemen, I'll have a few scotches and give it a whirl. Have a good weekend. Cheers

Bill K

[52089]

I also have replacement parts for 3 head Ultonas. Just let me know what you need.

[dutchman]

I also have replacement parts for 3 head Ultonas. Just let me know what you need.

Well that will definitely bolster my confidence Thanks

Bill K

[dutchman]

Before I get into this ultona and snip this wire, I thought I would seek your thoughts on why this wire is the Edison side of the reproducer:

As I previously said both sides play ok, but the DD side is a little weaker than the lateral side This wire twisted around
the side, why I have no clue. I believe the little rod which holds the stylus appears to be there and I do not see anything cracked or broken, or loose. I can't figure out what this home brew modification is for. Any ideas. Thanks

Bill K

[CarlosV]

The wire looks odd. It seems it would prevent the up-down movement of the needle, which would impair its proper tracking and tensioning of the diaphragm. The only reason I can think for it would be if the holder of the needle is cracked, but even then it would not work properly, only prevent it from falling.

[dutchman]

Removed the wire and it was anticlimactic. Played a DD it was ok. I believe that despite the weight adjuster working ok the previous owner tried adding that copper wire to increase the reproducer weight. At any rate, its gone and other than the gaskets all is well Cheers

Bill K

[Benjamin_L]

From the two or three ultona's I worked on they aren't that incredibly difficult. I would personally say the hardest thing for me is just replacing the little connecting string on the Edison side.