The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello all,

I recently purchased a Grafonola. The sound had the distinctive scratchy noise which has to go. After reviewing the info on this site, it appears that the gaskets have dried and / or diaphragm is splitting. The diaphragm looks perfectly fine, but when I shine a black light on it, yuck. It appears there is over 40% either separated or otherwise gunked. The uploaded picture doesn't quite do the discoloration justice. It is hard to capture the green discoloration.

Has anyone tried to determine the viability of the diaphragm using this technique? In the end, it probably doesn’t matter. From what y’all are saying, scratchy = replace gasket and diaphragm But it might be a good technique if you are purchasing one and for some reason you can’t play it.

Now the burning question, why would I be walking around with a black light. I also collect Vaseline and uranium glass.

Where can you get a cheap black light flashlight to try? Walmart. They are “labeled Black Light / UV” and found in the flashlight section and run about $10.

Thanks!

hiramk wrote:Hello all,

I recently purchased a Grafonola. The sound had the distinctive scratchy noise which has to go. After reviewing the info on this site, it appears that the gaskets have dried and / or diaphragm is splitting. The diaphragm looks perfectly fine, but when I shine a black light on it, yuck. It appears there is over 40% either separated or otherwise gunked. The uploaded picture doesn't quite do the discoloration justice. It is hard to capture the green discoloration.

Has anyone tried to determine the viability of the diaphragm using this technique? In the end, it probably doesn’t matter. From what y’all are saying, scratchy = replace gasket and diaphragm But it might be a good technique if you are purchasing one and for some reason you can’t play it.

Now the burning question, why would I be walking around with a black light. I also collect Vaseline and uranium glass.

Where can you get a cheap black light flashlight to try? Walmart. They are “labeled Black Light / UV” and found in the flashlight section and run about $10.

Thanks!

Nice tip.

It might be debatable how much mica separation affects reproduction, but there is no question that replacing the gaskets will do wonders for the volume and tone, plus eliminating rattles. It just makes sense to me to replace the mica while you're at it.

it happens rarelly but sometimes its worth to save the mica
mica can come in color variations like blue, green and red (most are clear or brownish)
i have a rex cylinder reproducer wich has red mica wich had delaminated
i put it in clear resin under a vaquum pump whiped it clean and put it inbetween 2 plastic sheets under a stack of books for a day and solved the problem

i have to go and see where that thing is... but many of you guys know the problem....TOOO MUCH STUFF!!

tino

anyway some pics to show you a rex reproducer(this one not mine but the same) no red mica in this one dough

That is awesome!

Also, I have learned a lot from this site after I posted this.

The thing that made the biggest difference is cleaning and oiling the needle-bar pivots. Here is the post: http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=22596

I now realize that I have not heard a perfectly tuned player. I have heard a couple players, but always in rough condition.

I think the black light trick is just a curiosity for the moment.