My First Phonograph

[mattrx]

Congratulations on you first phonograph. Start now making room for all its cousins! For some reason, they all want to come home and visit.

As for the reproducer, Walt Sommers (eBay-Cybertigger) sells a rebuild kit with everything you need and some detailed instructions all in the same package. While you could get the individual parts cheaper thru another supplier, it wouldn't be by much and the detailed instructions are great. I bought the kit once, saved the instructions, and now just buy the individual pieces I need when I need them. He also has the brake leather. If you pm me, I can send you enough for your brake. Be careful when replacing it though, the tines that hold it in place are brittle and break easily. I learned the hard way. Another forum member mentioned "twisting" them slightly in opposite directions to enlarge the hole and the bending them back again once the leather is in place. This worked nicely for me.

Good Luck,

Matt

[NateO]

Congratulations on you first phonograph. Start now making room for all its cousins! For some reason, they all want to come home and visit.

As for the reproducer, Walt Sommers (eBay-Cybertigger) sells a rebuild kit with everything you need and some detailed instructions all in the same package. While you could get the individual parts cheaper thru another supplier, it wouldn't be by much and the detailed instructions are great. I bought the kit once, saved the instructions, and now just buy the individual pieces I need when I need them. He also has the brake leather. If you pm me, I can send you enough for your brake. Be careful when replacing it though, the tines that hold it in place are brittle and break easily. I learned the hard way. Another forum member mentioned "twisting" them slightly in opposite directions to enlarge the hole and the bending them back again once the leather is in place. This worked nicely for me.

Good Luck,

Matt

That is exactly my fear. I don't have the space for a Victor family reunion!
Thanks for the advice with the break leather. Hopefully replacing it will go well. I ordered some from Walt last night, as well as replacement pads for the cabinet bottom. I must have missed the rebuild kit, so I'll have to order that today too.

[NateO]

I'm a user of GoJo or Goop (non-pumiced), readily available most anywhere, such as Wal-Mart...

Your machine's finish looks pretty solid, so I'd smear on some GoJo, let it sit for a minute or two, then wipe it off. Repeat if necessary - - otherwise let it dry out for a day or two, then use your Howard's.

The turntable felt can be carefully brushed with a soft bristle brush. Do it outside! Drag the bristles across the felt (like a steel needle on a record) and you may be surprised how much crud comes off.

Good luck!

George P.

The finish is fairly nice, though there is a little water damage on the rear. I'll have to go look for GoJo.
Thanks for the advice with the felt. I did order a replacement, just in case.

[alang]

Since I also broke a brake some time in the past I now do not mess at all with the prongs. I rather cut out any remaining old leather - if there is any - and then hammer and mangle the new leather piece until it is soft enough that I can work it in between the prongs. May need a lot of pushing and convincing with a small screwdriver or similar, but once an end has been pushed in you can grad it with pliers and pull a little more. Always start from the side that faces the turntable, so it will always be further pushed in, not out. Beats messing up a brake mechanism.
Good luck
Andreas

[NateO]

Since I also broke a brake some time in the past I now do not mess at all with the prongs. I rather cut out any remaining old leather - if there is any - and then hammer and mangle the new leather piece until it is soft enough that I can work it in between the prongs. May need a lot of pushing and convincing with a small screwdriver or similar, but once an end has been pushed in you can grad it with pliers and pull a little more. Always start from the side that faces the turntable, so it will always be further pushed in, not out. Beats messing up a brake mechanism.
Good luck
Andreas

Thanks for the advice with the break! I think damaging that is m biggest fear.
I do have another question about the goop. I have been looking online for it, and I was wondering if this is the right stuff:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Goop-Multi-Pu ... escription

[HisMastersVoice]

Since I also broke a brake some time in the past I now do not mess at all with the prongs. I rather cut out any remaining old leather - if there is any - and then hammer and mangle the new leather piece until it is soft enough that I can work it in between the prongs. May need a lot of pushing and convincing with a small screwdriver or similar, but once an end has been pushed in you can grad it with pliers and pull a little more. Always start from the side that faces the turntable, so it will always be further pushed in, not out. Beats messing up a brake mechanism.
Good luck
Andreas

Thanks for the advice with the break! I think damaging that is m biggest fear.
I do have another question about the goop. I have been looking online for it, and I was wondering if this is the right stuff:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Goop-Multi-Pu ... escription

It's probably the same stuff, but most people I know use GoJo: http://www.gojo.com/united-states/marke ... 11506.aspx

You can find it at most hardware / automotive / department stores.

[NateO]

Thanks for the link. The only type I was able to find was the crème version, though it does not mention pumice. Would that be safe to use?

[HisMastersVoice]

Thanks for the link. The only type I was able to find was the crème version, though it does not mention pumice. Would that be safe to use?

No, make sure to use the original only.

[JerryVan]

Nate,

Before you try to insert the new brake leather, roll it between two pieces of wood while applying a bit of pressure. By doing this, you'll reduce its diameter until it fits between the prongs of the brake leather holder. Once inside the prongs, pinch the leather ends together with a plier. This will re-expand the diameter and make the leather snug in the holder. Also, put a few drops of oil on the leather, that will also help it to re-expand and prevent the brake from squealing. (May also slip some at first but as the oil soaks in it will improve and you'll have nice smooth braking.)