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I recently picked up a Columbia table model... don't normally buy Columbias... and I'm realizing that I've never actually rebuilt a basic Columbia reproducer before. Is there any basic or easy way to open it up, to remove the metal retaining ring around the front so I can replace the gasket material? Does anyone have any other suggestions about doing this?

Hi Brian, Put some penetrant around the outside of the retaining ring. I have a pointed needle nose pliers I use to stick into two of the holes that are across from each other. I then unscrew the ring. Sometimes if you are lucky you can put an awl into one hole and unscrew the ring.
Bob

that's what I was thinking, thanks... but is there anything special that must be done with the needle bar to avoid damage when removing the mica?

I made myself a simple tool by nailing two loud tone needles into a piece of wood in the same distance of the two holes in the ring. With such a tool you can easily unscrew the ring - except that the needle bar is in the way. So before you unscrew the ring you have to remove the tiny nut that holds the needle bar to the diaphragm. Then you can rotate the needle bar out of the way and unscrew the ring. Of course you can also remove the needle bar completely, but I found sometimes the little nuts and screws difficult to open without damaging them. Be careful, there is usually a paper ring and a rubber gasket on each side of the diaphragm. Make sure your don't damage the paper rings. You will probably find the rubber gaskets still pliable. For whatever reason Columbia rubber gaskets don't seem to harden as Victor gaskets do. If the reproducer is clean you may not even have to replace the gaskets because of that.

Good luck
Andreas

I use 2 small drill bits and place them in the 2 holes on the Columbia ring. These bits then protrude about 2 inches from the surface, one can them put a steel bar or screwdriver shank between the 2 bits and twist with out any interference from the needle bar.

A picture of the reproducer in question would be helpful...

Columbia had a couple different varieties... chances are you are working on a #6...

I personally would not recommend using needle nose plyers.
Unless you put it in the freezer for a while most Columbia reproducers are made of pot metal and tend to shrink and enlarge thus making hard to get the ring with the 4 holes out.
I do believe if memory serves me correctly its a lefty lucy righty tighty.
let me check with a buddy of mine who does this for a living
Warm Regards
will.

Brian,
If you happen to due electronic work and have a pair of micro needle nose pliers....they also work well to remove these.
They are also perfect in removing a Victor dial pitch control ring nut (backside) as found on Vic. IV,V and VI.

Those are the needle nose pliers I use.

All I was trying to day was be extremely careful this material is like glass.
needle nose plyers seem ok just do not use force be gentile.
Thanks