Orthophonic Victor 8-9 Tonearm/Elbow Question

[gemering]

I am not exactly sure what happened here;
When I tried to play my 8-9 the other day, the reproducer (with needle inserted) stopped short of reaching the record when I brought the elbow forward to the playing position.
Obviously something went out of adjustment.
Which of the three screws pictured do I want to adjust?
When moved to rest the elbow and reproducer rest in the correct position (parallel to the tonearm.)
Thank you for the help.
I absolutely love old phonographs, but as can be told by this post, have very little to no mechanical ability.
I can however, solve your differential equations or partial integrals.
Gene

[De Soto Frank]

Gene,

Is this a new development with this particular machine ? If so, have any other factors in the "equation" changed, ie: needle brand or type ( thinking length ), etc ?


From the looks of your photos, it appears that the two "post" screws are the limit stops, and aren't really adjustable.

The little bracket that they bear against is secured to the tape-tube by two more screws - you might be able to loosen these, slightly, then swing the soundbox down into the playing position ( to the left of the turn-table ), and gently push it down as far as it will go, then tighten the screws in that position.

See what that gets you...


Frank

[Henry]

From here, it looks like the sound box might not be properly mounted on the gooseneck. I see about a ⅜"-wide band right behind the isolator, that seems to be a slightly different color. Check the bayonet mounting to make sure the pin is lining up with the cut-out in the gooseneck so the sound box can seat all the way on, and then turn downward toward the record surface. HTH.

[Edisone]

Same thing happens here, usually after a temperature change in the house. Try loosening the ring (counter-clockwise) that holds the gooseneck to the arm. I usually tighten it to reduce air leaks, then back it off just enough to allow the gooseneck free movement.

[Bob]

Gene, make sure the motor mount bolts are tight on the motor board. The motor could be hanging a little low.

[Retrograde]

I am not exactly sure what happened here;
When I tried to play my 8-9 the other day, the reproducer (with needle inserted) stopped short of reaching the record when I brought the elbow forward to the playing position.

The problem is that one of the set-screws hits the little bracket on the tonearm preventing some needles (short ones) from reaching the record surface. My 8-9 has had the same issue. No amount of adjustment will solve the problem since it's the head of the set-screw that hits the bracket. (I suppose you one could remove the bracket instead, but that would be changing the machine even more). My short term solution was to remove the set-screw and put a small piece of tape over the hole.

I assume the machine was always like this. I'm not sure how the previous owner's dealt with it, however if someone out there has some insight or a better solution, I'm all ears.

My motor and motorboard are properly mounted as far as I can see, otherwise the winding crank would bind.

[Edisone]

Weird. A Credenza X , 8-30X, and Granada here, and none of them has 2 screws (or two holes) on the gooseneck - just the one. Was the second screw an "anti-clutz guard", to keep people from dropping the needle onto the motorboard?

[AZ*]

My 8-9 was the same way. I replaced the offending screw with a ⅛ inch long flush fitting Allen head set screw of the correct diameter. The shorter Allen head screw plugs the hole, and solves the problem.

[Uncle Vanya]

I see that you are using a brass reproducer. I've noticed that this problem is much less noticeable when one uses a 1928 vintage die-cast reproducer. If you have not made a new rubber isolator, or have used a unit from one of the suppliers you might consider replacing your rubber isolator with a new, soft unit cast from black silicone rubber (not the hard replacement units offered by the phonograph supply houses). The improvement in reproduction (much stronger bass response, smoother mid-range) and the lessened record wear will be worth the effort.

[HisMastersVoice]

I believe my 8-35 has 2 set screws as well. I've noticed that when cactus needles get too short after sharpening enough times, the needle won't touch the record anymore. Make sure the reproducer is fully seated, as Henry said.