The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi from Cali,

This is my first post.

I've been collecting 78s (mostly 20s and early 30s jazz/dance bands) on and off for about 10 years now. I use more modern playback equipment with diamond styli for my main collection, but have recently acquired a victor vv-ix (my first gramophone) to play some of my duplicate 78s, or records that are more worn or too grainy to sound good through a modern speaker.

Anyway, I also received a rebuilt no. 2 reproducer from a reputable dealer yesterday.

Two questions:

Compared to my exhibition sound box, the needle protrudes much more from the No .2 Reproducer. I don’t know. It just doesn’t look right. Does it look ok to you guys from the pictures?

Also, notice that a portion of the red gasket is sticking out and visible from the front view. That portion is still flush with the diaphragm. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Thanks.

welcome to the forum!

The needle protrusion appears normal to me.

The exposed gasket does not look right. If there is a poor seal, air can leak and greatly affect the performance. If you are comfortable, you can loosen the screws holding the front and back together and attempt to reseat the seal.

Welcome. If I could just add......the needle bar screw appears to be incorrect. Although, not important. It is not the original. Your needle looks like a "soft tone". They can be quite long compared to "loud" & "medium" tone needles. You may be able to push the gasket back into place with your thumb nail. Of course the opinion of returning it should also be available.

Thanks for the help guys. I was able to gently push the exposed part of the gasket back in for now.

I noticed that the spring screw's nut is not tightened down (reference attached picture). This means that the spring screw is not secure and can move out of adjustment with use. The nut should be tightened down at the screw base to secure the screw (reference 2nd attached picture).

Mike,

Thanks for catching that and providing the pic. I tightened the bolts.