The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

If a reproducer looks like this, does it just need a needle, or is the problem deeper?

It looks like you are missing the limit pin that screws into the weight, and the linkage is unhooked from the diaphragm. Additional photos at different angles, top and bottom, would help me to tell you more.

It looks like you took the picture without removing the reproducer from the carriage, so I'm assuming that the black that shows through the hole in the reproducer weight is also part of the carriage arm. That being the case, I don't see the stylus bar ("needle"), so you are probably missing that and its screw.

You may also be missing the limit pin that prevents the reproducer from opening the way you show it.

Lastly, the thin bent wire links between the stylus bar and the small receptacle on the diaphragm. You could probably bend this back to its proper size and shape, or a replacement is very easy to get.

Thanks all. This picture is from a Edison Standard Model B listed on eBay that I'm trying to decide whether to buy. Sounds like I have some parts to get and some repair work to do on the Model C reproducer if I buy this one. What do you recommend - an easy fix or not worth the trouble?

That doesn't look like it should be a problem unless the limit pin had broken off and the end is still in the weight. Limit pins are readily available from Ron Sitko as are all other parts needed for a complete rebuild. If you are interested in this machine I would ask for a picture showing the bottom of the weight so you can see if the stylus bar is there and whether or not the stylus is present and one of the top of the weight that will show if there is a broken off limit pin in the hole or if it is simply missing. You will also need to make a new stylus link out of the proper sized brass wire which is available from hobby shops. The one shown looks like a staple. As far as I'm concerned, I see nothing about the reproducer that would keep me from buying that machine, as I have restored dozens of them, but since it sounds like it would be your first, you need a little more information.
You may want to post the Ebay link so that others may add opinions about the general condition of the machine.
BTW: The reproducer, as shown is rotated 180 degrees from normal. The tail of the weight should point toward the rear of the machine, not the front.

Jim

Thanks Jim. I'm going to try for one which is more complete and has better pictures. Looking to get a working Edison B or similar unit as a gift for a friend for around $300. That's my goal.

Jerry just posted a B for sale.

where?

Actually, I think he just sold it today, if this is the one you are referring to: http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =9&t=19339

Dang. Gotta move fast here.