The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Thanks to all for the useful replies. There's a lot to think about here.

I removed the spring before I read your posts about setting up the governor. However, I seem to be fearless regarding this job now! I've done far more dangerous things with cars.

The governor is totally free everywhere it should be. I didn't know it had to be set up. Is it possible to let me know how to do this please? My wife has instructed me to do various tasks prior to family arriving for Christmas so I probably won't do any more on the gramophone this week.

Yes. I had thought the spring would be wound tight a bit sooner due to the extra length. I think I'll compromise and take it down to 14ft 6ins......The "Jury's out" on this one.

Orthofan.....Is it straightforward to change the soundbox throat gasket please? Also, I like your "Rule of thumb" method of checking the spring strength.....brilliant!

Thanks to all again.....Mike

It is not difficult to soften the end of a spring with a blow torch (and it is necessary if you want to cut and drill it), but I would be inclined to try the long spring in place. Although 13 ft 6 in. was the norm for this motor, and that was standardized by EMI as the size for many replacement springs in the 1950s, the springs in the 32 motor varied at times from 10 ft to 18 ft., so the exact length may not be all that critical. A good motor (270, or 59), with its 13 6 inch spring in good condition, can play at least two 10-inch records on a winding.

Another factor with some records not playing, I have found, is that Columbia records sometimes produce more drag than others. I don't know why, but I would have expected their lovely silent surface (pre-EMI) to produce less drag. Wear is certainly a factor also, of course.

Thanks Oedipus,

I believe you were brought up in Corinth and became King of Thebes. I camped there (Corinth) in 1970 after traveling all that way in my Ford Anglia 105E. We then crossed the "canal" onto the Peloponnese. There's a town there called Argos, so we called in for some batteries (Sorry to joke).

Yes. Given my familiarity with the spring removal/installation, and that there's no rush, I think I will try installing the 15ft 6ins spring and see what happens.

It's interesting what you say about different record labels.

Best regards.......Mike

mikeverrechia wrote: Tue Dec 23, 2025 4:42 am
Orthofan.....Is it straightforward to change the soundbox throat gasket please? Also, I like your "Rule of thumb" method of checking the spring strength.....brilliant!

They're mounted in place by two screws in the sound box's throat, so if the pot-metal is in good condition, removing the screws shouldn't be too much of an issue. (knocking wood) Removing the collar, itself, may be a challenge if it's stuck; some careful chipping away of the hardened rubber may be needed once the screws are removed.

Some people make a new gasket or collar out of silicone, but I know that they are available from some eBay sellers, for instance -- https://www.ebay.com/itm/366060593083?c ... =view_item OrthoFan

OK. Many thanks OrthoFan.

I will look into its condition next week.

Thanks also for the link. The supplier could be very useful.

Best wishes.....Mike