The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I need to replace the diaphragm on this Excelsior reproducer. The outer gasket seems to be in good condition but looks like silicone to me. My first question is, What was the material and color of the original gaskets? My second question is, What type of adhesive should I use to reattach the spider to the diaphragm?

they are usually red BUT if it is OK why change it ? Why does the mica need changing it probably won't sound better , Superglue fixes the spider back fine and is easily reversible original fixing was probably molten shellac

Thanks Soundgen, The mica has delaminated but it can't be seen in the photo. Could beeswax be used to reattach the spider?

The dangerous way: (I did this fixing a friend's Edison recording head, which had lost its "ski jump" stylus holder.)

Hold the reproducer quite level in a lump of putty or something.

Place a drop of fairly thick shellac on each leg of the spider, then center it on the diaphragm; add from the point of a needle or probe another drop of shellac to each leg.

Pass the flame of a kitchen match over the shellac. There will be a flame-up. Let it burn for a few seconds and blow it out.

Maybe this will do it. The burnt shellac can be cleaned up with denatured alcohol on a swab or Q-tip, and the joint should be firm.