Pathé - need help or advice.

[brianu]

I can't recall the model number off-hand for that particular Pathé, but I've had a couple of them in the past (I'll check my photos on the computer at home), one oak, one mahogany, and yes, the grill is very simple and it's wood - like the standard thin wood grills that consist of layered veneer. I thought that was an earlier model, though, and that it was originally issued not with the tonearm/reproducer assembly (that you have on there now) that swivelled to permit the playing of bother lateral and vertical cut discs, which was a later innovation... but instead had the straighter arm that ran straight into the back of the reproducer, which had only one position, to play Pathé discs (it could be removed, though, and replaced with a lateral adapter, but from what I've seen, many of those adapters were pot metal and haven't held up so well).

[briankeith]

My Pathé Model III with a new "temporary grille" I made. Just a piece of decorative aluminum grille purchased at my local Ace Hardware store for use on home radiator registers. I just cut it to fit and painted it dark brown until I find the correct wood grille, or until I make a wood grille out of Oak to match the photos everyone sent me. BK

[brianu]

here are a couple of Pathé 25's that I used to have, one in oak, the other mahogany. apparently the arm might be correct after all...

[briankeith]

I can't recall the model number off-hand for that particular Pathé, but I've had a couple of them in the past (I'll check my photos on the computer at home), one oak, one mahogany, and yes, the grill is very simple and it's wood - like the standard thin wood grills that consist of layered veneer. I thought that was an earlier model, though, and that it was originally issued not with the tonearm/reproducer assembly (that you have on there now) that swivelled to permit the playing of bother lateral and vertical cut discs, which was a later innovation... but instead had the straighter arm that ran straight into the back of the reproducer, which had only one position, to play Pathé discs (it could be removed, though, and replaced with a lateral adapter, but from what I've seen, many of those adapters were pot metal and haven't held up so well).

Thanks for that great photo brianu. (It will help me design an Oak replacement grille) I think it is the correct tonearm, but mine is frozen right where you see it in my attached photos. (the reproducer end) Even after backing off the thumb-screw I cannot get the reproducer head to move in the opposite direction. But the tonearm floats (or tracks) on the record just fine. Apparently like you stated, the pot metal in those arms did not hold up very well, yet is plays flawlessly and very loud just like it is. The last two phonographs I bought have problems with their tonearms including my new Columbia Grafanola. Darn pot-metal!! Brian Keith

[brianu]

the Pathé tonearms, I'm quite certain, were brass, plated in either nickel or gold like victor's. I was referring to the pot metal lateral adapter. as for the Pathé reproducers, I've seen them in both brass and pot metal. I don't know why yours would be stuck, I can't recall having that problem before. try some spray lubricant or liquid wrench, that should loosen... I'd really be surprised if it was swollen, it's probably just stuck due to some corrosion or something similar.

[FloridaClay]

I had the same problem with the lateral reproducer on my Pathé 75. The potmetal swells and it sticks in the arm. Got mine out by taking the arm off and letting hot tap water run over the part of the arm where the neck of the reproducer slides in. Go at it gradually, though. Too much pressure and the neck with pop off as the potmetal is a bit brittle. Put a light coating of grease on the reproducer neck when you get it out and you should then be able to use it normally. That worked for me. I suppose if necessary you might also just be able to buff it a bit.

As for a replacement grill(e), the first place I would try were it my machine would be George Vollema, who has quite a stash of old phonograph parts machines. http://www.victroladoctor.com/ When I got my 75 the vertical reproducer was missing and he had a good one. He is great to work with and I have found his prices quite reasonable.

Clay

[briankeith]

Thank you very much Clay. Someone else told me to try putting the entire tonearm in the freezer for 24 hours. I think I will try the hot water first as I am afraid the pot-metal will become more brittle if in a frozen state. I am having the exact same problem with a Columbia Grafanola tonearm. I am trying to remove the reproducer from the Columbia tonearm so I can send it out to have it rebuilt, but the darn thing just will not budge. I even tryed a product called PB Blaster with is the best automotive penetrating catalyst on the market, no luck even after soaking it for several days and applying some heat. I am starting to hate the word POT-METAL !! Brian Keith

[FloridaClay]

Brian, a little postscript. I keep my water heater temp. set quite high, so if hot tap water doesn't work for you you might try a tea kettle or possibly a hair dryer on high heat--possibly removing the needle assembly and diaphragm first just to be extra safe. You may want to remove them anyhow to replace the gaskets, if you haven't already.

Clay

[brianu]

or perhaps try a mix of motor grease, ammonia and lava.

[briankeith]

Very good point Clay, I am planning on rebuilding the reproducer anyway, although the gasket looks in pretty good shape. PS: I can't find any Lava here in New Jersey, Hah Hah!! Good one!!