Exhibition back flange, too hard?

[Inigo]

I've acquired last year some back flanges, modern replacements, with the brass ring insert and all, very well made. But I'm starting to think they're not so compliant as original rubber flanges may have been... Actually the material seems neoprene or something alike. It's elastic, but I find it much harder than natural rubber.
Have you noticed that? Are other makes of new replacements softer?
I've tried to flex the soundbox side to side, installed on the tonearm, but it is as hard as rock! I'm tempted to think that the original rubber backs must have been somewhat flexible... This could affect the sound, no doubt.
I'm tempted to try making one out of silicone...

[JerryVan]

I believe that Wyatt Marcus produces a more compliant version.

[AZ*]

Have you noticed that? Are other makes of new replacements softer?

Most of the typical replacements I've purchased are similar to what you describe -- pretty hard and not very flexible at all. A number of years ago, there was a place in Colorado, USA that made softer, more compliant replacements, but sadly they no longer make them. I don't even know if the place still exists. I am not familiar with the Wyatt Marcus version, but if he supplies it, I would expect it to be good.

[Inigo]

Thanks for the tip. I'll ask him.

[JohnM]

The source in Colorado was John Gubbins at Rocky Mountain Rubber, but they have gone out-of-business as you noted.