The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am new to collecting Columbia cylinder machines so I have not yet rebuilt any floating reproducers. I have a small reproducer which I believe is the correct one for the first AT machine. The stylus arm has come loose from the diaphragm. I was thinking I read somewhere on the forum a way of reattaching these such that they can be loosened by gentle heat or solvent if a rebuild is necessary. But I can't find that thread. Could someone tell me how to proceed? I know I have a couple of Columbias which will eventually need to be rebuilt so if there is a thread somewhere about this I would love to find it as well.

Many thanks,

Steve

A drop of shellac (either melted stick or right out of a can) will do the trick.

George P.

This is getting into a sensitive area, but I'll jump in on this! Underneath the diaphragm there is a rubber gasket. For the diaphragm to vibrate properly the rubber gasket needs to be supple. What I like to do is replace the gasket but attach the gasket to the body with contact cement. Then, use contact cement to attach the diaphragm to the rubber. Then, go around the extreme edge with a little melted beeswax just to fill the gap if there is one. The more the diaphragm is allowed to vibrate, the less blasting.

Thanks guys,

That is just what I needed to know.

Steve