Columbia no. 6 Reproducer Adjustment

[VictorVV-X]

So, I bought a Columbia L-2 equipped with a model 6 reproducer that needed rebuilding. Thinking it should be a simple matter, I ordered a rebuild kit with new mica and set about the task. Unfortunately, no matter what I seem to do, the high notes/louder passages just blast.
Initially, I only tightened the retaining ring finger tight, and tightened when needed, but I could never find a medium like I would with most reproducers I’ve rebuilt and/or adjusted.
So, out of desperation I tightened the ring so that it was flush with the reproducer body. It’s much better, but still shrill even with a soft needle.

Does anyone have any tips or ideas?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.

[phonojim]

Did you do anything with the needlebar pivots? If they are too loose they will rattle but if they are too tight they will be too stiff and restrict the motion of the needle and bar. The pivots need to be just snug enough to not rattle but not so much so that they restrict motion. Your gaskets need to be just tight enough to be air tight. More than that is not necessary and could restrict movement of the diaphragm. Also, some replacement gaskets are rather stiff and won't allow the diaphragm to move as freely as it needs to. Victor Exhibition tubing may work well in your reproducer, although I am not certain of that as I have not worked on a Columbia #6 in a long time. I do know, however, that several years ago someone sent me black tubing which was the same size as Exhibition tubing and it worked quite well.

Jim

[VictorVV-X]

Did you do anything with the needlebar pivots? If they are too loose they will rattle but if they are too tight they will be too stiff and restrict the motion of the needle and bar. The pivots need to be just snug enough to not rattle but not so much so that they restrict motion. Your gaskets need to be just tight enough to be air tight. More than that is not necessary and could restrict movement of the diaphragm. Also, some replacement gaskets are rather stiff and won't allow the diaphragm to move as freely as it needs to. Victor Exhibition tubing may work well in your reproducer, although I am not certain of that as I have not worked on a Columbia #6 in a long time. I do know, however, that several years ago someone sent me black tubing which was the same size as Exhibition tubing and it worked quite well.

Jim

Jim, thank you. I happen to have enough Exhibition gasket tubing to give this a try.
As for the pivots, of which one is stuck with the head broken off when I got it, they are adjusted just snug enough to prevent rattling or buzzing. I will try readjusting everything tomorrow and if that does not help I will try the exhibition tubing.

Thank you for the suggestions! I greatly appreciate it!

[VictorVV-X]

I tried putting two exhibition gaskets in the reproducer, but I could not get the ring to tighten with the both in, so I tried one exhibition gasket and one Columbia gasket, but still I’m getting nowhere. The only time I thought I had something was when I forgot to tighten the pivot screw and it sounded ok, before it started to buzz on a louder passage. I may have to send it out for a professional to take a look at it, it’s got me baffled!