The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Jerry B-
No the tone arm is NOT sloppy, but very difficult to remove/reinstall when I did the once over on it. Moves freely.
The horn elbow moves nicely BUT I had to place a ⅛” thick 1.5” washer below to sit on the metal ring to boost it up a bit, also, a shim between the Y clip and horn flange to prevent sagging.
It sits fine with all these adjustments.

Does the washer affect tone order volume?

The choice is yours alone. Jerry’s method using fender washers and a screw and nut would greatly minimize the risk, but there is always some risk with nearly anything. I think that if you do it carefully that you will succeed.

If you try to repair it and feel that you are having to apply excessive force, then leave it. You may find that it moves easily.

My advice is typically to ere an the side of caution, but knowing myself, I would eventually ignore my own advice and fix it, (or break it while trying). The washers are cheap and easy to obtain, so attempting to gently persuade the sleeve into its proper position is a low risk option. I would also recommend putting a layer of painters tape over the top of the bracket to protect the paint from the washer.

No the tone arm is NOT sloppy, but very difficult to remove/reinstall when I did the once over on it. Moves freely.
The horn elbow moves nicely BUT I had to place a ⅛” thick 1.5” washer below to sit on the metal ring to boost it up a bit, also, a shim between the Y clip and horn flange to prevent sagging.
It sits fine with all these adjustments.

With that said, you've made a good case for moving the inner ring flush with the casting in the back bracket. Your elbow with fit nicely. The tone arm will be easier to remove/install and you should have the same swing on the tone arm. I think you've received good suggestions to make this adjustment.

Jerry B.

I think so as well. I’ll update with photos when done. Now I gotta just find the time rather than just looking at it critically.
Thank you all.

Jerry B. wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 8:43 am

No the tone arm is NOT sloppy, but very difficult to remove/reinstall when I did the once over on it. Moves freely.
The horn elbow moves nicely BUT I had to place a ⅛” thick 1.5” washer below to sit on the metal ring to boost it up a bit, also, a shim between the Y clip and horn flange to prevent sagging.
It sits fine with all these adjustments.

With that said, you've made a good case for moving the inner ring flush with the casting in the back bracket.
Jerry B.

That style of inner ring should not be flush, but should protrude some... just not as much as it currently does.

That style of inner ring should not be flush, but should protrude some... just not as much as it currently does.

I didn't mean flush with the top of the back bracket. My eyes. are not the best but I was thinking there was part of the cast back bracket to match it to. Sorry!

Jerry B.