The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am new to the phonograph collecting hobby, and I just picked up a VV-300. The Semi-auto brake does not work. I think it may be missing a part. Whenever the arm hits the yoke, it does not trip the brake. The yoke just moves by itself. I was wondering if anyone can post a close up picture of the brake assembly so I can see how it goes together, or see if I am missing something.
Thanks

Nips wrote:I am new to the phonograph collecting hobby, and I just picked up a VV-300. The Semi-auto brake does not work. I think it may be missing a part. Whenever the arm hits the yoke, it does not trip the brake. The yoke just moves by itself. I was wondering if anyone can post a close up picture of the brake assembly so I can see how it goes together, or see if I am missing something.
Thanks

Here's one on Ebay right now. It should show you all. Maybe you need a spring or new leather pad??. Pics of it may be better for any of us to say for sure. Best of luck.. .

Recently the one on my XVIII was not working either. It exhibited the same symptoms that you mention. There should be a removable washer on top the the stack of component parts on the left in the brake pictured above. This washer applies friction to the moveable arm that is tripped by the stud on the tone arm. Without this friction, the brake will not work. Mine had come off and been lost. I was able to fashion one from a similar washer with a dremmel and a little creativity. Check that portion of yours. If you need a new leather brake pad, pm me and I can mail you one.

The brake pictured is from Dave Sheingold, I think (DavesDatahut on eBay). He is a good guy and has helped me out more than once. Fast shipping, and good service.

Matt

Thanks for the replies. I am missing the split washer that holds everything together. I should be able to make something up like Mattrx suggested.

That top U shaped washer is springy and provides the tension for that stack of washers and trip lever.

You can google up "spring washer" and find any number of on-line suppliers, but I would search for a local source first. I'm pretty sure that I've seen spring washers available in my local hardware store's parts drawer section. Now you may not find a split spring washer like you need on the brake, but you could fashion one with the Dremel and a cutting wheel (I recommend the diamond-impregnated ones, available from horror fright in a five-pack). This will be a simple DIY project for a rainy afternoon.

I found a small brass spring hose clamp that worked out well. Thanks for all the advise.