The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi All , I am after some advice for a Columbia BC Cylinder Graphophone please. It is to do with the Reproducer -- there is a small length of very thin wire that acts as a pivot for the stylus bar. This piece of wire is missing on my BC. It looks to have been about 2 inches long ? and is held in its correct alignment by a small metal plate which is positioned to the right side of the stylus bar when looking at the stylus bar arrangement from behind. there are two small screws in that metal plate which I assume are for securing the piece of wire ? Could anyone please tell me what the gauge of the wire should be ? also what kind of wire would be suitable -- I am thinking it has to be fairly stiff wire -- I am wondering whether music wire might do the job ? I initially thought of using a panel pin but finding one long enough and the required thinness proved to be difficult. If anyone can enlighten me as to the dimensions and type of wire , I would be very grateful. A photo showing the arrangement would also be much appreciated if any member is able to do that. Many thanks in advance for all advice and help with this matter.

Sounds similar to the wire used on the Edison Amberola V flywheel. I used a piece from the long end of an old throttle return spring, gauge unknown. Auto parts stores should have them; they look like this:

Dulcetto,

Here are some shots of what you're talking about. The wire is indeed stiff. Properly gauged music wire would work, but I can't help with the gauge. It must fit into the hole at the end of the shoe tensioner, so that should give you an idea...

Hope these photos help.

Good luck,
George P.

Hi , Many thanks indeed for both replies , which are very helpful -- especially to George for the great up close photos. I will have a try first with some piano wire of which I have several gauges , failing which I will seek a stiff piece of spring wire cut from a compression spring . Thanks again for your kind help . Dulcetto

Hi phonogfp
Great close up photos. I have been looking for the front cabinet catch, as this is the only piece to complete my BC. Is it possible that you could post some close up photos of this on the forum. Thanks

Will these do?

George P.

Thank you George The photos are the best I have seen of the catch
I will have to see if I can make a catch or maybe find one through the forum.
Thanks again.

Glad to be of help. Good luck!

George P.

Zapper: as far as the cabinet catch, try George Vollema. His email: victrola(at)triton(dot)net
He seems to have some good luck finding obscure parts...