Model K and C reproducer bodies the same?

[kirtley2012]

I've got a model K reproducer here which someone has cared for in the past, the body is pot metal but someone at some stage has chucked it in a lathe and shaved some from the outside of the body to keep it in service, and it still is in service, it just needs a new diaphragm to stylus link, but for when the pot metal body succumbs to the inevitable, can I use the body from a scrap model C I have with the K weight and stylus setup below? they seem compatible but I've not taken the K apart yet

[rgordon939]

C, H, and K bodies are the same.

Rich Gordon

[kirtley2012]

Great, thanks Rich, I'll probably switch bodies then

[phonogfp]

My only caution would be with the serial numbers. Back in the 60s-80s, collectors would switch out Amberola I and III mechanisms, Diamond Disc A-series mechanisms, discard original Victrola albums, and stick horns of any make on machines of any make, because "who could possibly care?" With the passage of time, a collecting genre can be taken more seriously and such fast and loose actions are no longer acceptable.

I'm not saying that more than 1 out of 100 collectors would spot a serial number too low for the Model K range on a reproducer. But Steve Medved has published articles in the APS magazine on the entire range of Edison reproducers. Those serial ranges are out there for those who are interested, and who knows how picky someone (perhaps you!) may be in another decade? Just food for thought...

George P.

[kirtley2012]

My only caution would be with the serial numbers. Back in the 60s-80s, collectors would switch out Amberola I and III mechanisms, Diamond Disc A-series mechanisms, discard original Victrola albums, and stick horns of any make on machines of any make, because "who could possibly care?" With the passage of time, a collecting genre can be taken more seriously and such fast and loose actions are no longer acceptable.

I'm not saying that more than 1 out of 100 collectors would spot a serial number too low for the Model K range on a reproducer. But Steve Medved has published articles in the APS magazine on the entire range of Edison reproducers. Those serial ranges are out there for those who are interested, and who knows how picky someone (perhaps you!) may be in another decade? Just food for thought...

George P.

I was debating engraving the original serial number around the rim of the C body

These photos may show why I’m rather fond of the idea of switching bodies, theres very little supporting wall for the thread or limit loop

[Curt A]

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a complete purist, so my opinion can be taken with a grain of salt...
I would rather have a working reproducer while I am still alive and while the world still exists, than worry about who gets it down the line... If they don't like it because of the serial number, they can buy another correct one... You aren't making a door knob or some steampunk thing out of it... Besides, you are saving a much more valuable "K" reproducer from oblivion.

[rgordon939]

I see that the wall is thin at those two points but when in the carriage this should not be an issue. I would consider leaving it as is for now. If something should happen to it at a later date you always have your option of swapping out the body.

Rich Gordon

[Mormon S]

I have put a model B weight and stylus on the body of a model C. I've gotten my enjoyment out of the reproducer so far, it sounds excellent, and I will probably keep it with me for eternity. Besides, finding the right body to match it with would be a headache, so I see no harm. That being said, don't convert an amberola mechanism into an opera please.

[Inigo]

And why the wall is so thin? Did you grind it out something? Or it was originally this way?
If there is room for it, you could add a layer of jb weld or something to strengthen it, then grind and polish to have a reinforced wall. Still you preserve the original with a bit of visible repair, not a bad arrangement...

[rgordon939]

Read the original post.

“ someone at some stage has chucked it in a lathe and shaved some from the outside of the body to keep it in service”

Rich Gordon