I Need To Be Schooled On Columbia Floating Reproducers

[Dave D]

I am working on a Columbia AO for a friend. I have it working now, but he still needs a reproducer. Just for the heck of it I tried one from my Columbia Q. The stylus was not centered over the record.

Do these floating reproducers have different lengths? According to Hazelcorn's book, I need the # 5, which has the lifter tab. I was hoping I could add a lifter to a reproduction reproducer, but now I am not sure.

I would appreciate any tips on this. Thanks!
Dave D

[Teak]

i once found those handy pictures posted here.

[fran604g]

I am working on a Columbia AO for a friend. I have it working now, but he still needs a reproducer. Just for the heck of it I tried one from my Columbia Q. The stylus was not centered over the record.

Do these floating reproducers have different lengths? According to Hazelcorn's book, I need the # 5, which has the lifter tab. I was hoping I could add a lifter to a reproduction reproducer, but now I am not sure.

I would appreciate any tips on this. Thanks!
Dave D

Hi Dave,

Yes, the Graphophone reproducers are slightly varied in length and width. Without my knowing which reproducer you are actually using, and referring to, I think I can help.

The proper reproducer for the AO is actually known as the Type D Improved Version Reproducer (my own words - I'm not sure American Graphophone Co. defined it as that, but I may have gotten the description from a catalog). Here's a couple of photos to illustrate what I'm trying to convey, I put a guide together for my own reference and there may be errors in the text captions - as to the models that used them - but it still provides a visual reference that works for me.

I've included a true "Q" Reproducer for reference here, and note that I've also included the reproduction reproducer that was sold on eBay at one time.

My AO in "2nd type" case is shown with a "...correct FIRST VERSION of the D - - the D1. The D2 has the smooth casting rather than sharply defined angles of the D1." (Thanks George P. for the PM, and clarification.)

I hope I haven't muddied the waters too badly with my post. I gladly welcome any pertinent corrections.

Best,
Fran

[Dave D]

Thanks, Fran for confirming that there are slight differences. Amy chance you have a #5 you could measure and tell me how long it is from front to back? I have a couple of shells here and could make the rest.
Dave

[ChuckA]

The picture of the #5 reproducer without the lift fingers will not work with any of the Grand machines.

Here is a list of the reproducers for Grands, nothing is absolute in this hobby but these are what show up
on most.

Chuck

[Dave D]

Thanks, Chuck, but the machine that lacks a reproducer is a fancy cased AO.
Dave

[fran604g]

Thanks, Fran for confirming that there are slight differences. Amy chance you have a #5 you could measure and tell me how long it is from front to back? I have a couple of shells here and could make the rest.
Dave

Certainly Dave, here's the D-1 "improved" from my AO.

Hope this helps,
Fran

[fran604g]

The picture of the #5 reproducer without the lift fingers will not work with any of the Grand machines.

Here is a list of the reproducers for Grands, nothing is absolute in this hobby but these are what show up
on most.

grand reproducers.jpg

Chuck

Thanks for this great info, Chuck!

Best,
Fran

[Dave D]

Thanks, Fran! This is great! I made a lifter ring today and need to figure out which shell to use.
Dave