The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just got a C- 250 for very cheap at an auction. The reproducer unfortunately is broken . The pin is missing from the front and the string in the middle is broken. I've never worked on this type of reproducer before ( new to this learning as I go). It appears I will have to get inside to repair the string, but I can't get the metal ring off ( the one with two slots in it). It will not budge . Any tips to remove this? Also is the pin something that can be repaired and how? Are there any Manuals or Tutorials out there that would be helpful?

The Compleat Talking Machine by Eric L. Reiss has a tutorial on an Edison reproducer rebuild, I believe, but I don't have it at hand to check which reproducer he covers. Attaching some pictures of the problem parts would also help. Best wishes, Mark

Have you tried using penetrating oil ('Liquid Wrench' or similar) around the ring? The oil may not be good for the diaphragm; but since the link is broken, you might as well replace the diaphragm anyway….

You can make a key for the ring out of sheet metal, just wide and thick enough to fit both slots. With the oil treatment, and careful twisting, you will probably be able to get it to budge eventually.

As for restoration: if you haven't removed the pivot screw at the rear, it might be a good idea to do so, and clean up the pivot to make sure it moves absolutely freely (the clearance between the screw and the neck is very close, and may require making a special offset screwdriver).

Also, check the condition of the stylus with a good pocket microscope: if there are any flat spots or chips, you should replace the stylus so as not to damage your records. (Check out the thread on the Bruce diamond styli, which may be available soon).

It is possible to replace the limit pin, if you have access to a good drill press: carefully drill out the old pin, and insert a new piece of steel rod of the correct diameter.

Alternatively, there are sources listed on the forum, to whom you can send the reproducer for a professional restoration.

Hope this helps.

Bill

Meanpuma

The limit pins on some early diamond disc reproducers were threaded. If yours is broken off flush, then drilling it out as Lucius suggests might be the only option. You might drill a small hole for an easyout (screw extractor) first, just in case yours is threaded.

John