The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Someone told me that the key to good sound on these old machines was to have air-tight seals at all of the joints in the reproducer, tone arm, etc. so no air moved by the diaphragm is lost.

Is there any merit to sealing these connections with Vaseline ? (Again, not to lubricate, but to help seal.)

I was thinking of doing this to the end of the tone arm where the reproducer is affixed (that bayonet joint), as that's easy for a layman (like myself) to access. ...worth the trouble ????

Additionally, how "tight" should this joint be ? Is it ok if the reproducer can turn relative to the end of the tone arm ?


Thanks !!!!

That's what I do. I don't add it to the reproducer/tone arm connection however, but it couldn't hurt. Just don't get carried away, a little dab will do ya'.

"Is it ok if the reproducer can turn relative to the end of the tone arm ?"

It's more than o.k. It has to turn in order to put the reproducer on & to take it off. Still, there should be a slight resistance to turning and not be sloppy loose.

Thank you !