The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

OK, here's one for you experts.

On the C150 I recently restored I swapped out the turntable platter with one from a LU37 machine that had better felt. What I discovered was the platter sat higher on the spindle which resulted in the reproducer weight being driven into the reproducer body. I then grabbed a platter from an H19 and found the same thing. I futz'd around to make sure the platters were seated properly and was convinced that they were.

Checking Frow's book, I see that all three machines spec. a single spring motor. The C150 spec's a 150 horn and the other machines each specify a 100 horn. All three platters look the same visually from the bottom (totally subjective). I can't imagine the horn size would dictate a slightly different platter height.

I ended up replacing the felt on the platter that came with the C150. We're all happy.

So the question is: Were there different spindle tapers or platter designs for various machines?

Folks,


Come on-any ideas. I know I'm intrigued. The centers of the Edison turntables are steel, they're magnetic. I was wondering if time and tide itself might have something to do with it. A little corrosion here, a little wear there. I did notice what seemed a minuscule difference in height when I tries the turntable from my S-19 on my C-19.

Regards,
John

I'm intrigued myself. As far as I knew, all the Type B motors "should" have interchangable turntables.
Yesterday I even went as far as swapping all my turntables around- an A100, C19, and a very late L35, and they all sat on the spindle in the same position.
Then I thought Brads motor may have been the early version with the brown bedplate, but if it's the one Brad posted in the frame, then it's a black bedplate & not one of the earliest Type B's.

The only thing I can think of, is that they may have put the pin in the spindle in the wrong position, & had to alter the depth of the slot in the TT centre on the underside??

Brad,

How high up in the retaining ring is the limit pin playing a DD with the original turntable?

Regards,
John

It appears to set about ⅛" below the repro body. With the other platters, the weight (and limit pin) are driven hard against the repro body and it even slows the record down.

I find it all very strange.

Brad,

Since this might end up falling under the Technical Tip category, I've started a new thread here as well as this thread. Hope the photos help.


Regards,
John