Original vs. repro parts

[FloridaClay]

Hello all,

I have picked up what looks to be a pretty decent Columbia AH, second style, case and motor missing its arm, arm mounting, reproducer, and horn to take on as a project. There are some loose reproducer parts that come with it from which I might be able to assemble a reproducer, if the parts turn out to be from an Analyzing reproducer. If not, I will hunt for a good Analyzing reproducer for it.

I think reproduction arms and horns are available for it. What are your thoughts about using repro parts or holding out until originals come along?

Clay

[Jerry B.]

I the machine is going to be displayed, I'd rather see it complete with reproduction parts than incomplete. When the opportunity presents itself for buying original parts, go for it. Jerry

[pughphonos]

I'm in the camp which believes it's more important for machines to be useable and used instead of treated as museum pieces. There are enough museum pieces out there; living, breathing antique phonographs in households will do a better job of exposing the younger generations to the wonders of this stuff than inert objects in a museum.

I upgrade my machines and use repro parts also on occasion. I've decided to type up a sheet to go with each modified machine, detailing all the changes I've made and from whom I obtained the parts. I just did that yesterday for my S-19 Diamond Disc phonograph. Placed the essay in a plastic sleeve (so that it can rest in the cabinet, under the horn, and not suffer oil damage). This way, future owners will know how much of the machine is "original" (that is, which parts have co-habited that machine since ca. 1920) and which parts were bought and installed by me much, much later.

Ralph

[FloridaClay]

I like the idea of leaving history tracks Ralph.

Clay

[pughphonos]

Thanks, Clay. As an historian that's just how I'm geared. Information like this is lost so easily and once lost can't be regained. I often complain that Americans are so focused on the newest, latest; on progress; that most don't take any trouble to document things for the future. BUT as soon as they NEED information about the past they just assume that it's out there somewhere. This is bad enough now. Catch us all two centuries from now when we've had six generations of totally disposable information systems with no ready mechanisms for transfer.

I know you know this; I'm "preaching to the choir."

Ralph

[FloridaClay]

Gang, would the AH second style have had the long throat reproducer?

Clay

[phonogfp]

Gang, would the AH second style have had the long throat reproducer?

Clay

Absolutely! Just like this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Columb ... 5aefc0a7f7

George P.

[FloridaClay]

Thanks George! That one is a bit rough, but now I know exactly what to look for.

Clay

[FloridaClay]

Well, at least for now, I did decide to go with repro parts and must say I am quite pleased with their quality. Got the arm assembly, horn elbow, and reproducer from Justin Shaub at JAS Antiques and the horn from Wyatt's Musical Americana. George V did the motor rebuild for me.

Clay

[phonogfp]

Looks good - much better than the the cabinet/motor/turntable alone!

Just a suggestion: I think the horn would look better if you rotate it 180 degrees so the seam is on the bottom.

George P.