Interchangeability of reproducers

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doublemike
Victor I
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Interchangeability of reproducers

Post by doublemike »

Hello!

Apart from hystorical coherence between reproducer and machine, do you think that these reproducers are interchangeabile?
Are there some substancial differences among these items? For example, 1913 (No.6) is better than 1911? - or than 1923?

Thank you. :coffee:
Attachments
This picture from http://grammophon-platten.de
This picture from http://grammophon-platten.de
Victor Monarch, Columbia BK, Columbia BNW, Zonophone model 3, HMV 130

woonettophone
Victor Jr
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Re: Interchangeability of reproducers

Post by woonettophone »

For the sake of hystorical incoherence, I'm looking forward to responses to your query. My Columbia Ideal, which has been in my life for nearly 45 years, has the top-right reproducer from 1911. Unlike most Columbia reproducers, it has a rubber backflange sandwiched between the reproducer body and the connector plate; earlier this year, the splendid Wyatt Markus fabricated a new flange to replace the dessicated, shrunken original. Rebuilt, it sounds quite nice. I take wanton delight in switching various reproducers around on my Victor machines, but this thing seems an integral part of the Ideal. Nevertheless, I don't have other Columbia disc machines, and have wondered whether there is, in fact, any level of interchangeability -- so far as this one is concerned, I'm inclined to think not.

Phonofreak
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Re: Interchangeability of reproducers

Post by Phonofreak »

The chart that was posted was very informative. I know the first 6 reproducers were interchangeable on Columbia machines with the bayonet fitting. I'm not familiar with the others shown below. Columbia reproducers were quite loud because of the larger diaphragm. Some owners did upgrade to a newer reproducer like owners of other brands of phonographs. Personally, I like to have the right reproducer to the right era of the machine, like the example of the Columbia Ideal.
Harvey Kravitz

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doublemike
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Re: Interchangeability of reproducers

Post by doublemike »

Phonofreak wrote:...the first 6 reproducers were interchangeable on Columbia machines with the bayonet fitting...
How can I pull the "1911" reproducer from my tonearm? I've a "no. 6" reproducer that I would try on my BNW.
Thanks!
Victor Monarch, Columbia BK, Columbia BNW, Zonophone model 3, HMV 130

soundgen
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Re: Interchangeability of reproducers

Post by soundgen »

Post a picture of it in the arm , Columbia soundboxes in the UK can have at least 6 different back fittings ! One would assume that as the soundboxes developed the sound would improve or what would be the point of changing the design ?

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doublemike
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Re: Interchangeability of reproducers

Post by doublemike »

These are two photos of reproducer while rotates. Connection with tonearm presents a "pin" that switches through two positions; its length changes as reproducer is in resting or playing position (left photo) or while rotates (right photo).
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Dual.jpg
Victor Monarch, Columbia BK, Columbia BNW, Zonophone model 3, HMV 130

soundgen
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Re: Interchangeability of reproducers

Post by soundgen »

doublemike wrote:These are two photos of reproducer while rotates. Connection with tonearm presents a "pin" that switches through two positions; its length changes as reproducer is in resting or playing position (left photo) or while rotates (right photo).
Is that a Columbia soundbox ? What is the front like any chance of a picture ?

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Lucius1958
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Re: Interchangeability of reproducers

Post by Lucius1958 »

doublemike wrote:
Phonofreak wrote:...the first 6 reproducers were interchangeable on Columbia machines with the bayonet fitting...
How can I pull the "1911" reproducer from my tonearm? I've a "no. 6" reproducer that I would try on my BNW.
Thanks!
Turn the reproducer so the needle chuck is facing back along the tonearm: that should engage the notch that will allow you to remove it.

Bill

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doublemike
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Re: Interchangeability of reproducers

Post by doublemike »

This is the front of my reproducer.

Bill, thanks for your suggestion: I pulled the reproducer!
But I couldn't insert my "no. 6"... its fitting seems a little more bigger than "1911" :cry:
I'll insert a photo as soon as possible.
Attachments
Dual Front.jpg
Victor Monarch, Columbia BK, Columbia BNW, Zonophone model 3, HMV 130

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