The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a Q and a question please. I don't know the name of the type of reproducer that it has so I will describe it. It has a diaphragm that has an arm attached to the middle of it going back to a hinge. The stylus is attached to this arm. Normally where it attaches to the diaphragm it seems to have been glued but it has come loose. Please tell me what type of glue was used to make the attachment. Is it some sort of special glue or will super glue or some other common type of household glue work? Thank you!

It is better to post pics of the item in question... .

Obmcclintock----- I use a little dab of shellac to attach the bell shaped piece to the diaphragm---Super glue is unforgiving if you ever need to detach it to rebuild the reproducer. With SG you will likely destroy the diaphragm getting it apart. I believe shellac was probably what was originally used, but I'm sure someone on the forum can confirm or refute that.

Brad Abell

I second the shellac.

George P.

I also recommend shellac, you can get flake shellac which works best, just a small flake is enough. Heat the arm with a soldering iron to melt the shellac.

Those seem to have a habit of coming apart like that. I have used a small drop of liquid shellac to hold the needle bar to the diaphragm. Leave it upside down for a couple of days to allow the shellac to cure and it will be fine. No fuss, no muss and no heat required.
If you use super glue, there are solvents on the market that will dissolve it if necessary, however I would use shellac - it's easier in the long run.

BTW: depending on how much residue is left from the old mounting compound - whatever it may have been - you probably need to clean it off the diaphragm and mounting surface. 90+ percent rubbing alcohol usually works well for that; just be sure everything is dry before you apply the shellac.

Jim

Thank you for all of your input guys! You are very kind! dave