The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi;

I own a Columbia Grafonola type F-2 that has been in my family for four generations, and it has always played records well. I noticed a couple of years ago that it cuts into records when it plays (yes, I am playing 78s on it). However, it wasn't an issue until recently. I never used the Grafonola often, and I really didn't pay attention to how it was cutting into the records. BUT I am using very old Champion steel needles that were in a ziploc bag beside the turntable when I inherited it. I don't know if it's the needles, or the reproducer/tone arm itself, but it's very frustrating. Not to mention the fact that they sound terrible- even on records that are in NM condition.

The needles peel at the tip when records play- so I'm not sure if it's due to the age of the needles, or if they've become fragile over time, or both. If it is the needles, what are the best needles for this particular machine?



Thanks!

Are you sure the needles haven't been used ? you say they were in a ziplock bag , sounds suspicious ! Steel needles are one play only! and shouldn't be reused . there are loadson Ebay and they aren't expensive

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/m.html?_odkw= ... s&_sacat=0

Also check the tone arm moves freely a stiff tone arm will cause record wear , very stiff and you can see shellac flaking !

Honestly, I have no idea if they had been used or not. I figured they had been, but I tested them on old records that were already in bad condition. Thanks for link- I'll check them out.

The tone arm moves freely, for the most part. It's slightly stiff, but I don't think it's stiff enough to be causing this problem. Then again, I'm not 100% sure though. How would I go about fixing this?

If your eyes are mature, use a loop under good light. If you see a flat spot when you turn the needle, it's used. Jerry

I held all needles up to a light individually & took a look at them with a magnifying glass. All appeared to be very sharp, yet they still sounded terrible.

erinescence wrote:I held all needles up to a light individually & took a look at them with a magnifying glass. All appeared to be very sharp, yet they still sounded terrible.

Have you checked the soundbox gaskets ? they often go rock hard on Columbias and the diaphragm will rattle

I haven't. I honestly don't know much about this machine- I was barely able to repair it last week after an incident with the escutcheon & bolts falling off.

The Tonearm should run very smoothly .
The soundbox will sound bad if the rubber gaskets are perished .
Someone will need to check it out . I would not play any records on it until its sorted .You can look online for what to do .Or someone could advise you .
Remember only use needles one per side then discard. It is the only way to help keep record wear to a minimum with steel needles .