The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

phonojim wrote:What do you use to attach the stylus bar to a glass diaphragm? I'm thinking shellac but am open to suggestions since I haven't done a glass one before.

Jim

I use shellac. Simple, reversable, and authentic.

George P.

briankeith wrote:How does one get a hold of Steven Medved as I need one rebuilt also ?? Mine is the kind of Columbia reproducer that is pinned directly on to the horn - I think it is an AP or and AQ model, no feed screw what-so-ever, not sure.

I think Steve only does Edison reproducers, because he researches them while he does the work.

Andreas

I have always used shellac on both mica and glass diaphragms on these Columbia floating reproducers. Not a glob of shellac, just enough on the bottom of the gasket to hold it in place.

Hello,
Using the suggestions of Forum member I went ahead and rebuilt my Columbia floating reproducer. I heated up the stylus tube with a candle and in less than a second the stylus popped out further. I brushed a circle of shellac inside the housing of the reproducer body and seated the rubber gasket in place. The rubber gasket is the same size as the ones used on Edison Model C and H reproducers. I then applied a small amount of shellac to the gasket and dropped in the mica diaphragm. Because the shellac does not harden right away you have a little time to center the diaphragm. The diaphragm was purchased from Ron Sitko and fit perfectly. Once the shellac had hardened I got a piece of bees wax and softened it with a hair dryer. I then rolled it on the kitchen counter top into a long tiny coil. The coil was still too thick so I put it between a folded piece of wax paper and rolled it flat with my wife's rolling pin. I now had a long flat ribbon of Bees wax although it was too wide. I cut the strip in half long ways and peeled it off the wax paper. Using the hair dryer to keep the wax pliable I worked the into place around the edge of the diaphragm. Once in place I heated up the wax again and carefully pressed it down. Finally I used a dab of shellac to attach the stylus It all worked out very well, see the pictures.
Pete

Nice Rebuild. Looks great!

That's the ticket!

George P.

If using a glass diaphragm, what is the best procedure for sealing the edge, since you can't use direct heat without risking breaking the diaphragm?

Jim

HOW DID YOU MAKE OUT ? BEESWAX WORKS GREAT AND AS SOMEONE SUGGESTED YOU NEED TO PUSH OUT THAT STYLUS....GIVE ME EMAIL IF YOU NEED HELP...IT IS SMART TO LEARN TO DO YOUR OWN WORK ))
KIND REGARDS,
MARK
CROAKINFROG PHONOGRAPHS

alang wrote:

briankeith wrote:How does one get a hold of Steven Medved as I need one rebuilt also ?? Mine is the kind of Columbia reproducer that is pinned directly on to the horn - I think it is an AP or and AQ model, no feed screw what-so-ever, not sure.

I think Steve only does Edison reproducers, because he researches them while he does the work.

Andreas

Steve told me a few days ago that he has been doing alot of Columbia floating reproducers. He does not just do Edison reproducers, but he sure does know a lot about them!


Please PM me if you want Steve's email address.
Dave

Dave D wrote: Steve told me a few days ago that he has been doing alot of Columbia floating reproducers. He does not just do Edison reproducers, but he sure does know a lot about them!

Dave

Good to know.

Thanks
Andreas