Columbia reproducer

[BigC]

I just got a nice columbia 117 tabletop phonograph and was wondering what would be the best reproducer to use. I have three No. 6 and this one which I have no idea what it is. The No.6 all need to be rebuilt but odd ball is working fine. I just want the best sound from this phonograph.

[Inigo]

The no6 is good, but if you want the best possible sound, this one in the photo is a Viva tonal model with aluminium diaphragm, designed to have a much wider freq response, and will give the best reproduction. You'll notice an increase in record noise, because the treble response is wider too, but you'll hear every detail of the recording too.
Does your machine bear the legend Viva-Tonal? Can you post a photo?

[BigC]

My Columbia is a 117 that I got on ebay with a No.6 the other reproducer I got from a friend. I love the way it sounds on the 117 but was wondering if the No.6 would be better.

[Inigo]

It depends on personal taste, then... What you mean with better? The metal reproducer is designed to play electrical recordings, and mica reproducers cannot match the wide range of the metal ones. Nevertheless, some people prefer the mellower sound of the mica. I think you should use the one that s suite your taste most, and this could be different for different types of recordings.
Anyway, the 117 came with the metal reproducer in the photo originally.

[epigramophone]

The soundbox you have pictured is a Columbia No.8 introduced in late 1926. I attach the catalogue image.

As Inigo says, you can play electrical recordings with earlier soundboxes, but they will not reproduce them to their full potential.

[BigC]

Thank you for all the information. I will put the No.8 on it and play my electrical records on it. Thank you so much.