The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Calling all radio people!

I need advice on how to rejuvenate the phono volume control on my RE-45 (the one mounted on the motor board). It seems like unless it's turned all the way up, it's rather finicky and the sound will cut in and out unless I play with it and hit a sweet spot. I assume that it maybe just needs a good cleaning? How should I go about getting it to work smoothly and reliably?

Go to you local Radio Shack and get a spray can of "De Ox It" and start there.

After further inspection, it looks like the little contact doesn't touch the coil in certain areas, any suggestions on how to safely bend it to increase the tension against the coil? It looks like it's all riveted together so taking apart isn't an option (for me at least, I'm allergic to rivets).

First thing is make sure the element is good, these are notorious for broken wires and losing the crimp connection at
the ends at the terminals.

If the element is good, you can try to remove the "C" clip holding the shaft in the bushing, pull the arm assembly out and bend
for good contact. Not an easy task.

If none of this is your "thing" then look for a replacement control. I probably have a couple trashed 45/75's around here. PM me if you want to go that route.


Chuck

Chuck is spot on. Once the shaft is removed, you can gently bend the spring to increase the pressure on the winding. I like to sand the top of the winding with 1000 grit paper to remove oxidation too. a drop of oil on the center shaft before you install it and a touch of WD-40 or deoxit on the winding will have it working as smooth as glass again.

Bending the arm worked like a charm! I now have a full range of volume control