The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a good sounding Type O that came on a Standard (which I have too many of). I have recently disassembled a Diamond B and did manage to get it cleaned up and back together with new gaskets and working well, with a little help from John N. But I would like to use this Type O on another machine. Problem is that it is too swelled to do much with. Basically I have to chill it down and press it out (gently) to remove it from the carriage.

So my question is: I see these nice repro Type O tops that look like they will make my O drop right in. That is very tempting to me, since I feel like at any moment I could damage it by moving it. Looking at the reproducer, it does not look too difficult to open up. But, do I dare??? Are there any pitfalls anyone would be willing to share? Or instructions anywhere?

If you like how it sounds, don’t open it up. You run the risk of messing up the pot metal parts, but you are replacing the housing so that doesn’t matter.

But you can’t lose if you try this first: take a small file and work on the high spots of the housing where it binds in the carriage.

Look carefully at the entire perimeter and you’ll see where they are, because they will look rubbed. File down a little bit, then check the fit. The place where you filed should look freshly rubbed. Keep doing it and notice any improvement in the fit. Also look for new high spots and file them accordingly.

You’re going to file off the nickel plating in those areas, but it won’t show when the reproducer is in place.

And if you don’t get satisfactory results, then you can embark on the more expensive and risky option.

A year or two ago, I had an "O" with a really rough looking housing-- chipped, cracked and swollen... So I bought one of Justin's new top housings- They are super nice! And...though I have rebuilt a few hundred reproducers of all types over my years, I decided to send this one to Wyatt to transfer everything into the new housing-- he (as usual) did a great job-- the reproducer looks and sounds great--- and his fee was extremely reasonable.

Brad Abell

Thank you both for the information. It seems like this whole housing is swollen. I did some sanding on it and it helped a bit, but not enough. I also appreciate the advice on having an expert do it. It does sound good and works well on both 2 and 4 minute. I will price out having Wyatt do it and go from there. Dan

Sanding is likely insufficient. Use a file, and be patient. It doesn’t matter what other parts may be swollen if it still sounds fine, but it’s a choice between elbow grease and wallet depletion that only you can make.

I ended up sending the Type O to Wyatt. He replaced the swollen, chipped, sanded and filed top with the flawless repro, replaced gaskets and adjusted styli. I have a bunch of machines, but my workhorse is a Triump E with a Cygnet 11, where I literally dropped the "O" into the carriage. Previously used this machine for 4 minute only with a Diamond B and I had to pretty much press out the reproducer for any change. With no adjustments this O played both 2 and 4 minute loud and clear.

While I have opened up Diamond B's and changed gaskets, replaced diaphragm and so on, the concept of the dual styli and the insane value of the O made the decision to send it to Wyatt an easy one. When he added that the styli would also be rotated, he both lost me and sold me.

His price was very reasonable. Service was ridiculously fast and everything was insured and tracked. The guy is a true professional and I recommend this service to anyone needing it.

Glad you decided to let Wyatt do what Wyatt does.. His work is outstanding-- You will enjoy that "O" for many years!

Brad Abell

Hello. I'm new here and the last post refarred to someone by the name "Wyatte". May I ask what he does?

Thanks

Wyatt Marcus. He's on this forum, though I don't remember his handle. He is highly knowledgeable in all things antique music related, but specializes in rebuilding reproducers. It seems to me that his reputation is that of the "Gold Standard" in rebuilt reproducers. You can find him on the web or [email protected].

danohallaron wrote: Sat Dec 09, 2023 2:36 pm Wyatt Marcus. He's on this forum, though I don't remember his handle. He is highly knowledgeable in all things antique music related, but specializes in rebuilding reproducers. It seems to me that his reputation is that of the "Gold Standard" in rebuilt reproducers. You can find him on the web or [email protected].

Ok. Thanks. It's much appreciated Sir.