The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello everyone,
Does anyone know about these? Do they work? Does anyone have a set they would like to sell? I have included photos of what it looks like. Doesn’t seem to be much out there on it…
Thank you!!

The Columbia Phonograph Company as well as other manufacturers and suppliers made weights for early reproducers to improve the volume on brown wax records.

Here are a set for the Gutta Percha and Eagle reproducerers. They are shaped differently, and specifically for each reproducer. As well, here is one for the early Columbia Q reproducer. It is the same version as in your first picture. Note the two tabs at the back of the weight. When on the machine, the Q reproducer angles downward towards the cylinder. These tabs prevent the weight from slipping off, holding it firmly in place on the reproducer. By placing the weight on top of a floating reproducer, the stylus presses more heavily on the record, producing a greater volume of sound.

You'll learn more about these and other items in a future release of "I Never Saw It in the Catalog" at my YouTube site.

https://www.youtube.com/user/MSOPhonograph

Shawn

That was an excellent explanation with great information Shawn!
Looking for one if anyone would be willing to let it go!! Thank you!!

that would be a good item for somebody to reproduce . steve

It sure would. I’m not the guy though. Wouldn’t know where to begin.

Actually, the Eagle version (not the Q) was reproduced 10-15 years ago, but I don't recall by whom. I have a couple of them. They're simple, but the plating wasn't well done and they tend to peel a bit. But they certainly do the job.

How heavy is the weight…? Too bad magnets wouldn’t work….

The replica is 18 grams. I don't know if that matches the original.