The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

So, I was looking at a Columbia which I have already asked about here. Although my soundbox questions were answered, a new one has risen. The tonearm and bracket appear to be mismatched, or perhaps I am too paranoid. Could someone please tell me whether something is off, and if so, is it the bracket or tonearm?

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/downlo ... w&id=97808

Your tonearm and back bracket are mismatched. Both are genuine Columbia parts, but Columbia had two configurations. Search the Internet for pictures of Columbia outside horn phonographs. You will eventually find pictures of the two configurations I refer to and you will see what I mean. I'm off to work. If no one responds by the time I get home, I will post some pictures for you.

Thank you. My next and final queation is which should be replaced?

Ho-Hum: Take a look at this posting on the Forum: http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... t=columbia. I posted some pictures of the two different bracket-tonearm configurations I referred to earlier. My pictures are the ones with the red circles about the part in question. Those are pics of other people's machines, but in fact I own both configurations.

Let me back off from my earlier strong statement that you have mismatched parts. I do strongly think that is the case. Your configuration simply leaves the tonearm hanging loosely when not positioned over the platter. I don't think it left the factory that way. Many people will claim that your machine is an example of Columbia's poor quality control, a position often taken when something doesn't seem "right." I think that's too easy. But, I'm open to other possibilities . . .

If originality is what you want--and the machine is OK the way it is--I would swap out the tonearm. Should be cheaper than changing the bracket and also easier to find. Let's see if anyone else has an opinion on this matter.

John

I think that for now I’ll keep it how it is, but I will plan in the future to buy a proper tonearm. I am also curious to see some other opinions.

Either part is correct, but mismatched. For the bracket you have, the correct tone arm would have a little nub hanging below. That will ride the protrusion on your bracket. The other type of bracket, has no nub. Right now, the arm will function properly until you either get the right arm or bracket.
Harvey Kravitz