Flea Market Find

[kirtley2012]

Alex, I know what you're saying. You would think that's the case, but I've tried playing some early discs with fibers on a few different machines with properly redone and adjusted everything and certain discs like really early Victors still show wear that you can watch happen as the disc plays. Same with a Zonophone I tried that was cracked anyway. I'll stick to modern playback for these, it just isn't worth risking the damage IMO. I'm glad to see most people agreeing with me. It's not about arguing on my part, but preservation. There are lots of other records that can be played without fear of extinction on acoustic machines, so why risk these? I know others who still do it anyway, but you can't save them all...

Sean

i am still yet to get a berliner record, but if i had one i would certainly play it on my modern turntable and if i was recording a video, i would probably play it once on a acoustic machine and never again on one

[Orchorsol]

certain discs like really early Victors still show wear that you can watch happen as the disc plays. Same with a Zonophone I tried that was cracked anyway.

I imagine using fibres or thorns might "burn" the ebonite surface, much like they do with vinylite 78s - is that what was happening maybe?

Back to the machine - what an incredible find, thanks so much for showing it here!

[mcgravy]

I wasn't sure whether to post a new thread or continue with this one but I wanted to give an update. Thanks to TinfoilPhono for measurements and photo's I was able to replicate a reproducer and am working on other components to complete this machine. Thought you might like to see a photo. Does anyone out there know how the needle bar fastens to the diaphragm?

[gramophone78]

I wasn't sure whether to post a new thread or continue with this one but I wanted to give an update. Thanks to TinfoilPhono for measurements and photo's I was able to replicate a reproducer and am working on other components to complete this machine. Thought you might like to see a photo. Does anyone out there know how the needle bar fastens to the diaphragm?

The strap (or needle bar) rests against a knurled nut attached to a threaded shaft. However, the "tin can" Berliners did not have a machined brass nickel plated strap reproducer. They came with a cast type nickel plated reproducer that also has an ear on one side. This ear would rest on a screw that is in the side of the travel arm. You may want to check pics of others before you go too far astray. Attached is the correct reproducer and one like you have made (on my hand wind)

Ratchet wind_Berliner_Reproducer_-_back (2).jpg (207.88 KiB) Viewed 3109 times

Ratchet wind_Berliner_Reproducer_-_back (1).jpg (205.48 KiB) Viewed 3109 times

[mcgravy]

Thanks Gramophone 78! Now if I can find a hand wind that needs a reproducer I'll be all set. This will be a little more of a challenge but doable. Is the threaded shaft attached to the diaphragm? And was the holder at the end of the travel arm metal or gutta percha on the tin can?

[gramophone78]

Thanks Gramophone 78! Now if I can find a hand wind that needs a reproducer I'll be all set. This will be a little more of a challenge but doable. Is the threaded shaft attached to the diaphragm? And was the holder at the end of the travel arm metal or gutta percha on the tin can?

Yes, the threaded shaft is soldered directly to the diaphragm. Then, a knurled nut rests on the rubber around the strap. *Note*....both straps originally had rubber. Most are now missing both or one. I was lucky... . PM sent.

[mcgravy]

Thanks gramophone78! I got the threaded shaft and knurled nut soldered to the diaphragm. Are the diameters the same for the machined reproducer and the cast one? The reason the diaphragm looks splotchy is because I used an old Prince Albert tobacco can to make it. It was the closest thing I could find to what the original probably was.

[gramophone78]

Looks great!!. Sorry I can't get at my hand wind as it's in a glass display case. I would say the two reproducers are approximately the same diameter. Please post pics of your progress as you go.

[De Soto Frank]

Thanks gramophone78! I got the threaded shaft and knurled nut soldered to the diaphragm. Are the diameters the same for the machined reproducer and the cast one? The reason the diaphragm looks splotchy is because I used an old Prince Albert tobacco can to make it. It was the closest thing I could find to what the original probably was.

Mac -

Did you whip-up that entire soundbox from scratch ?

If so, congrats on some nifty machine-work !

[mcgravy]

DeSoto,

Yes I made everything except the screws and the thumbscrew that holds the needle, using scraps that I had in my shop. Thanks. I have always enjoyed machine work as a hobby. I am working on the other components to complete the machine and will post more pics soon.