The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Victor was a large organization with substantial dealer support. Here is the service bulletin supplied to the dealer’s service department by RCA Victor for servicing the Orthophonic Tonearm. Modern collectors will find these instructions useful.
The instruction describes the use of “firm cup grease”. This plumbers grease has the right consistency for the felted joint and joint at the Tonearm base. Use a lighter grease at the soundbox crook. Supplemental instructions can be found in the appendix of Robert Baumbach’s book “Look for the Dog”
All collectors should have a copy.

Mark

Thanks again for sharing these valuable bulletins!

Andreas

Hi Mark:

Many thanks for posting that. I'm glad to see it includes both types of tonearms, and also about the latest edition of LFTD.

OrthoFan

So what does it say about crumbling pot metal?

I like item 5-D regarding blowing smoke to determine air leaks.
Who can I bum a cigarette from without buying a whole pack?!
As always, these manuals are a great resource you're willing to share. Thank you!
Bob

Bob, that is a good point but I’m sure they had one of these in mind for the smoke test. Be sure to add either the Victor or the Edison tone arm adapter to your order.
As a word of caution, don’t blow or pump too vigorously or you may displace the grease meant to seal the sound pathway.

Mark