The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

...and tell us which way the stylus frame is set up. I obtained a new (to me) one recently, and for fun was poking around comparing and contrasting it with one I already had.

Have a look at the picture. See? When each is set to the same speed position as the other, the openings of the "9" shaped rotating frames to which the stylii are mounted point in opposite directions.

It's doubtful that there is any functional difference at all, if you think about it. And it's also likely that most of these reproducers have been played with over the years. But it would be interesting to find out which alignment is correct from the factory. Are there any user manuals or catalog cuts that show it?

So please take a minute and have a look at any M to which you might have access, and tell us what you find. The way to describe it could be, when mounted on the machine and in the 2-minute position:

A. Opening is to the left

B. Opening is to the right

P.S. Oh, gee...I just had a closer look at mine, and one of them works contrary to the tiny inscribed arrows on the 2/4 knob! So I guess I know what's supposed to be right, actually.

Wow, nothing? Come on, folks...

The one on the top has a stylus change dial assembly from an O reproducer. Notice the extra long shaft for the dial. This is how the O reproducer dial / stylus assemblies were designed...at least on my originals. The M reproducer on the bottom looks completely original. I also have a couple of M reproducers and several O reproducers.

These are my own personal observations based on completely original reproducers in my collection as well as other originals I have seen.

Thanks for the response. But please answer the original question...

When you hold each reproducer, with the stem down and tube up, and the weight facing you, and the speed change set to play 4-minute cylinders, is the stylus bracket looking like a "9" or a "P"?

Thanks.

Pete,

Mine looks like a "9" when held in the position you described.
It has been "factory cut" to the trowel shape, and the "arrows" are pointing correctly for changing stylus.

Bob S.

Mine is a "9". It also has the longer shaft, which was earlier described as being from an "O". Mine has a round weight with 2 additional holes drilled through the weight. With the "M" at the top of the weight, the holes are at 10 and 2 and are roughly the same size as the hole in the center of the weight.

Thanks guys.

Steve Medved also says "9" - but notes that he thinks the factory got a bit slapdash at times and could have sent out "P" at times.