Orthophonic Reproducers

[Victrolaman]

I new that would go for at least 500.00 they are very hard to find, in all the years on eBay I never seen so many as much as lately..
Even at 500 they are lucky to own one.

[bbphonoguy]

Sorry guys (and gal), but I still can't believe these are worth that much. The ones I've gotten have always just come along with a machine, and I can't tell the difference between them and a well preserved pot metal one, except that some of the pot metal ones sound a little better(unless I'm kidding myself, which has been known to happen ). As far as dealers swapping them out, my experience has been that most antique dealers don't know the difference. It's most likely different with those who deal strictly in phonographs.

[MicaMonster]

Sorry guys (and gal), but I still can't believe these are worth that much. The ones I've gotten have always just come along with a machine, and I can't tell the difference between them and a well preserved pot metal one, except that some of the pot metal ones sound a little better(unless I'm kidding myself, which has been known to happen ). As far as dealers swapping them out, my experience has been that most antique dealers don't know the difference. It's most likely different with those who deal strictly in phonographs.

The pot metal ones DO sound better! Has to do with the density of the pot metal, as is my understanding. The most IMPORTANT thing I can suggest to ANYONE with an orthophonic reproducer is to remove the hard flange rubber, and replace it with SILICONE. Day/Night difference.

-W

[Victrolaman]

Mica,

i agree with you 100%. The pot metal ones sound a little better. Reason why Brass ones sell for much more is the fact they are brass and can be rebuilt. Pot metal ones for the more parts are usually cracked and warped and if to bad cant ever be rebuilt. Thats the Benifot of the brass.
I own sveral Potmetal ones about 6 i think i have and 3 Brass ones. The pot metal o9nes do sound a little better, but like you said you should replace the rubber flange in the back as an original one by now is all dry and hard.

[phonojim]

I have both potmetal and brass examples and I agree that they sound different although I don't necessarily prefer over the other. However, my everyday "workhorse" is potmetal; well preserved, completely rebuilt and sounds great on my 8-30. Both the brass and earliest potmetal examples (with straight needle setscrews) seem to have thinner diaphragms as well as a number of other differences from later potmetal versions, so it appears to me to be a number of things that might affect the sound.
By the way, brass also can crack, corrode and literally fall apart - just ask lamp collectors about that. Brass Orthophonics have a steel pivot block which holds the needle chuck/bar, crosspin and bearings in place. This piece has been known to literally rust away. I have a nickel plated brass reproducer which had been in water at sometime in its life and I had to dig the ball bearings out of the rust. I thought I would need to have a machinist friend make a new block but I managed to save it. The reproducer looks and sounds great now after a rebuild and some parts from a totaled potmetal unit.

Jim

Jim