Reproducer rebuild, Standard Model A

[Brad]

I went to replace the rubber tubing in the repro on my standard model A and when I took the repro apart it was not what I expected. It appears that the removable part of the repro is a single piece that the mica is mounted from the front with a rubber ring as opposed to being loaded from behind with similar to an Exhibition.

So, is the mica just held in with a rubber ring or is there some other secret here? Anyone make replacement rings, or is there a way to make on myself.

Anyone ever rebuild one of these or is it better just to leave it be?

[Tobia]

Hello,
I've redone my standard reproducer few years ago and I remember that there are not particular secrets.
You have to remove the mica from behind like the victor reproducers and the gaskets are traditionals (I used white rubber tube of the correct size, bought on ebay).
You just have to remove that circular plate that is shown in the picture (in the back of the reproducer, under the black gasket). It's probably hard to remove because there is a close fit or it's stuck in place by the worn gasket on the inside.
Good job!
Sorry for my poor english!

Bye,

Nicola

[Edisone]

No no. Don't try to remove the back, because it's a one-piece casting. Just take out the gasket and the diaphragm pops out too. It's easy as pie.

You have to remove the mica from behind like the victor reproducers and the gaskets are traditionals (I used white rubber tube of the correct size, bought on ebay).
You just have to remove that circular plate that is shown in the picture (in the back of the reproducer, under the black gasket). It's probably hard to remove because there is a close fit or it's stuck in place by the worn gasket on the inside.

[Tobia]

Oh my god! My memory is not working well...
Sorry for my bad answer!!
I have to take some pictures when I work ont that things. They will help me to remember.
Thank you edisone for the correction...

[hillndalefan]

The gasket material is available from Antique Phonograph Supply Co. at a very reasonable cost. Just remove the front gasket, loosen the two screws with springs that hold the stylus lever that connects the needle chuck to the diaphragm, pull these things off as a unit, then replace the back gasket, replace the diaphragm/needle chuck assembly and replace the front gasket. It works just fine. Sometimes the black rubber gasket between the sound box and the tone arm has dried out and is too thin to seal the gap between them. I just soak it for about an hour in automotive brake fluid, and that swells it up to the point where it works again. Bob Ault

[Brad]

Thanks Bob,

I have the tubing already, I just didn't want to take it apart until I had way back to a working repro.

Good tip on the brakefluid. There is still some softness in the back washer, but I may just give it go as you suggest.

Brad