Need Help With Replacing Gaskets On Columbia Grafonola

[jbro]

Hi everyone!

I picked up a Grafonola over the weekend (photo included of cabinet) and am in the process of getting it cleaned up. The first issue I encountered was that the tone arm was on "backwards" and the reproducer was, consequently, upside down. Both of those issues are fixed. The tone arm was starting to bind about an inch into record play so I addressed that as well and the arm moves beautifully now. The seller included several discs but most all appear to be in poor condition likely from needle re-use.

Where I am at now is needing to replace the gaskets in the reproducer. I lucked out and got it disassembled without too much difficulty.

I found replacement gaskets online but the seller indicates that they will only fit a No. 6 reproducer.

My questions are:

1. How do I know if I have a No. 6 reproducer (photo included)
2. What is the beeswax for that they are including with the gaskets
3. The mica diaphragm seems like it is in good condition but should it also be replaced (photo included)
4. Should I attempt this at all?

I have a background in musical instrument repair, so I have a good understanding of patience and not forcing things to move that don't want to move...especially when those things are pot metal...but I also understand that sometimes you just need to let the pros handle it

Advice is appreciated. Thank you for accepting me into the group!

~~Jessica

[Phonofreak]

You have a Model 75 made from 1915-18. Most of these are Mahogany, and sometimes Oak. Oak was not a common as Mahogany. You are lucky that you were able to disassemble the reproducer. Being pot metal, they swell and are difficult to rebuild. Same with the arm assembles. Glad to hear that you got it free. You have a Model 6 reproducer. Ron Sitko sells the correct mica Diaphragm, black gaskets, and bee's wax. Rebuilding is the reverse of disassembly. Make sure everything is tight with no rattle. Since this is your first rebuild, I strongly suggest you get a copy of Eric Reis's book, the Complete Tlking Machine. That is the bible for phonograph repair and restoration. It also gives identification of machines and the histories. You can get it on Amazon, or ebay. Good luck with your restoration.
Harvey Kravitz

[jbro]

Thank you for the info on the model and a good source for parts.

After buying the unit and reading up more on the issues people generally have, I was happy to see that my tone arm elbow moved freely. I was also able to get the reproducer and the "retaining ring" off with little difficulty. The tone arm doesn't even seem to have any pitting/rot. I'm guessing I just lucked out.

Like working with vintage musical instruments it's a lot of itty-bitty parts that break easily or inevitably get knocked off of your workbench onto the floor never to be seen again.

Thank you again for the info!

~~Jessica

[phonogal]

Jessica, The Beeswax is goes on the back of the diaphragm over the screw that attaches the needle bar to the diaphragm. I use just a small chip of wax on the end of a tint screw driver and heat it with a wooden match until a drop falls off covering the head of the screw. I agree with Harvey. the Reis book is very helpful. Jan

[jbro]

Thank you, Jan, for the very helpful information!

I will probably get the gaskets ordered tonight.

Next on my to-do list is get things all lubed/oiled.

Thank you again!

[phonogal]

You're welcome and welcome to the forum. Jan