The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Gang,

I am taking the motor out of my Diamond Disc S-19. I noticed that the friction spring that is attached to the reproducer moving shaft did not touch the baseplate when the horn position was moved (reproducer not engaged or horn).

When I removed the shaft, the friction spring broke.

Should I bother to repair it ? If so, is there a source for these ?

Marc

No point repairing it. It's a common part.

PM sent.

With regard to the spring, was it used to apply a slight drag as you moved the reproducer stylus to the start of the record ?

Marc

I have never seen one of these break. Let me know if you need one. I should have one to send you.
Ken Brekke

Marc Hildebrant wrote: Wed May 05, 2021 7:59 pm With regard to the spring, was it used to apply a slight drag as you moved the reproducer stylus to the start of the record ?

Marc

No, it provides resistance when you raise and lower the reproducer. Installation/adjustment instructions are in the DD Motor Manual in (I think) the Archives section of the board.

I've often wondered what the purpose of that spring was. The horn/reproducer should lower under its own weight. Maybe, as the OP suggests, it's meant to induce drag to prevent "skating" if the machine is not properly leveled, or is jarred.