I’m fairly certain that the governor disk is straight and clean, as for the brake pad I’m not sure that what I’ve replaced it with is the best. I put a bit of soft leather thread (about 4mm thick) in but I’m not sure it’s the best thing as it’s not very neat and is a tad loose.
If you would have a recommendation for another replacement that would be helpful, I’ll look around too of course.
Fullotone Cabinet Gramophone Restoration
- LaoChe85
- Victor O
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Tue Jul 09, 2024 5:52 pm
- Personal Text: I'm new to this, and am really excited to delve more into the interest!
- Location: Isle of Wight, UK
- Inigo
- Victor Monarch
- Posts: 4566
- Joined: Mon Dec 18, 2017 1:51 am
- Personal Text: Keep'em well oiled
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Contact:
Re: Fullotone Cabinet Gramophone Restoration
It should be tight enough to stay in a fixed position, to avoid speed variations... but the pressure that it exerts on the disc is small.
The system needs to be adjusted after replacement of the governor brake pads, so you get 78rpm when the pointer indicates 78rpm. If the pad is loose, you'll frequently miss the adjustment and the speed may be erratic.
Leather could be good, although thick felt is usually preferred, as it can be easily embedded in oil and retain the oil. Thick 4mm felt is consistent enough, and can be cut in the form of a small stick, say, 4x4x6mm, to be tightly clamped by the brake arm ring. As the ring is formed by pressure, be cautious when opening it to replace the old felt or leather, not to break the metal.
If you don't have or cannot find the felt, just tell me and I'll send you a long stick in a letter. I bought a 3"x15" piece of thick felt years ago, and I have stock for hundreds of gramophones!

The system needs to be adjusted after replacement of the governor brake pads, so you get 78rpm when the pointer indicates 78rpm. If the pad is loose, you'll frequently miss the adjustment and the speed may be erratic.
Leather could be good, although thick felt is usually preferred, as it can be easily embedded in oil and retain the oil. Thick 4mm felt is consistent enough, and can be cut in the form of a small stick, say, 4x4x6mm, to be tightly clamped by the brake arm ring. As the ring is formed by pressure, be cautious when opening it to replace the old felt or leather, not to break the metal.
If you don't have or cannot find the felt, just tell me and I'll send you a long stick in a letter. I bought a 3"x15" piece of thick felt years ago, and I have stock for hundreds of gramophones!


Inigo
- LaoChe85
- Victor O
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Tue Jul 09, 2024 5:52 pm
- Personal Text: I'm new to this, and am really excited to delve more into the interest!
- Location: Isle of Wight, UK
Re: Fullotone Cabinet Gramophone Restoration
I did think leather was a bit questionable for this purpose due to its harder composition so felt seems perfect.
If you could send me a little bit that would be great! I live in the UK so I don’t know if this will be an issue or not.
Thanks for your help Inigo.
If you could send me a little bit that would be great! I live in the UK so I don’t know if this will be an issue or not.
Thanks for your help Inigo.
- Inigo
- Victor Monarch
- Posts: 4566
- Joined: Mon Dec 18, 2017 1:51 am
- Personal Text: Keep'em well oiled
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Contact:
Re: Fullotone Cabinet Gramophone Restoration
LaoChe, send me a PM with your postal address so I can send you a letter with the felt stick inside
Inigo