COLUMBIA Q REPRODUCER QUESTION?

[flashpanblue]

Hello,
I need to rebuild the reproducer on an early model Q that I recently found. I purchased a new mica and gasket and found a 100% Bees wax candle to use as the seal. I have rebuilt many Edison reproducers but am not sure about the early Columbias. Is the gasket glued to the reproducer? Is the mica diaphragm glued to the gasket? Or is everything just held in place by the Bees wax?
thanks
Pete

[Curt A]

I just had two rebuilt by Steven Medved. He is an expert with these reproducers - I got mine back yesterday and they are great. Although I have rebuilt many reproducers from other machines in the past, these take special care and knowledge to make them sound good. Personally, I don't think he uses wax and I wouldn't either. Your choice, but if you need his contact info, I will forward it to you. He is very reasonable and guarantees his work...

[flashpanblue]

Hi Curt,
Thanks for your reply. I had Steve rebuild my Edison O reproducer last year and he did a great job. I just thought that perhaps it was time I learned how to rebuild a Columbia floating reproducer myself!
Pete

[Victrolacollector]

I have rebuilt them by shellac the soft rubber gasket into the reproducer, then let dry, I even shellac the diaphragm on the gasket. then I always used beeswax as the outside ring. There are many ways to do it, this is just my way. You can use mica or even glass diaphragms, but be careful, the glass ones will break easy, but sound really nice on early brown wax.

[flashpanblue]

Hi Victrolacollector,
Thank you for the information! I have some shellac and will try out your method.
Pete

[Phono-Phan]

Does the sapphire bead look like it is recessed too far into the bar?

[flashpanblue]

Hi Phono-Phan,
Yes I wondered about that too. It does look like the stylus is set too far into the tube. Any ideas as to how to extend it? The stylus tube is sealed at the other end so you can't just push it out further.
Pete

[Bob]

Heat up the little tube holding the stylus. It will push the stylus out.

[briankeith]

How does one get a hold of Steven Medved as I need one rebuilt also ?? Mine is the kind of Columbia reproducer that is pinned directly on to the horn - I think it is an AP or and AQ model, no feed screw what-so-ever, not sure.

[phonojim]

What do you use to attach the stylus bar to a glass diaphragm? I'm thinking shellac but am open to suggestions since I haven't done a glass one before.

Jim