The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've been working on a Columbia Eclipse for a couple of weeks.
The main issue is that as soon as the tone arm is put down the record slows and stops even at full wind, but if I put it in the middle or towards the end it plays just fine. I was doing some research on the model and the reproducer on the ones I saw did not have the same one as I had, I was wondering if the reproducer was meant for a later machine that had a more powerful spring motor (mine is a single spring) and is too heavy? Or I might just be in denial because I really don't want to take the spring out to clean and re-grease it.

The Current Reproducer The one I saw Commonly on this model Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks!!!

So I just played a victor foxtrot record c1920 all the way through without issue but when a I put a Columbia of the same time period it has the slowing problem.

I don't think the problem is with your machine, the problem is likely a worn record. I have several Columbia records that slow down when being played due to their being worn. The extra drag on the needle causes the record to slow down.

Stephen

I had the same problem with my Sonora reproducer. Having the springs serviced and wound up well solved the problem. Funny thing, it was only problem when I played Columbia Viva Tonal records. The Victor electrics played just fine.