I've waited 57 years for this...

[Inigo]

The black material could be the black wax used originally to seal the needlebar screw tho the diaphragm and secure it, aside from making it an airtight connection... It should be restored in place, i.e. new wax drop added to seal that joint, by both sides

[OrthoFan]

The black material could be the black wax used originally to seal the needlebar screw tho the diaphragm and secure it, aside from making it an airtight connection... It should be restored in place, i.e. new wax drop added to seal that joint, by both sides

No, the seal is still in place neatly around the screw on both sides of the diaphragm and the sound box is air tight.

The shard was hard as a rock and looked and felt like a chip from a record. (I hate to admit it but I bit it to test since the feeling in my fingertips is not very good. )

[Inigo]

...I bit it to test since the feeling in my fingertips is not very good. )

The Record Eater...