The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm quite new to this, so what do I need to do to get this old victrola sounding better? I rebuilt the motor, which was fairly straight-forward thanks to the videos by Dischoard - viewtopic.php?t=48988 (do NOT try greasing the springs before cramming them in the barrels ) but as to the replicator, I'm clueless. It looks like it's missing a screw or two and there's definitely some holes in the diaphragm, which might be why it sounds kinda blown out, so if it does need replacing where's a good place for parts? Also, when I use thinner needles, they just fall out of the hole, but the thicker ones stay in just fine. There seems to be a little piece of cloth or something shoved up there so the bigger ones can stay up there, but it's not tight enough for the thinner needles. I've heard some talk about beeswax? Am I supposed to put that up there? If someone could explain how these replicators work, or show me a diagram, or something, that would help me out a bunch. ( It's a Victrola VV 8 - 35) https://youtu.be/Z-UDNTe5vxI <-- (A video of it playing)

It appears that that you are missing the needle screw which is needed to secure the needle into the soundbox. The soundbox also definitely in need of a new diaphragm. Any air leaks in the soundbox would cause a significant loss in bass and overall sound.
You might want to send your soundbox to Wyatt Markus for a rebuild unless you have a lot of experience working with small fiddly mechanisms. if you do want to attempt to rebuild it yourself, there is an orthophonic soundbox rebuild guide but it isn't for those who are new to working on phonographs.
https://www.pixelshelf.com/~wyatt/rebui ... honic.html
The soundbox is the most important part of the machines sound.
The second most important part of an orthophonic machine is the tonearm. It's important that the tonearm is airtight, freely pivots side to side and hinges up and down, and the gasket between it and horn seals well. Im pretty sure there are service notes for an orthophonic tonearm some somewhere around the internet.
The 8-35 is probably one of the best sounding phonographs when fully rebuilt and working properly.

An Orthophonic reproducer is best restored by someone experienced. I don't know your skill level, so maybe I'm way off base, but being new to this, as you state, the safest bet would be to have it done by others. It may also be that your reproducer is beyond repair, as so many are. An experienced restorer will know that at a glance. At a minimum, your will need a new diaphragm and the broken off thumbscrew replaced.

JerryVan wrote: Mon Jul 08, 2024 11:39 am An Orthophonic reproducer is best restored by someone experienced.

Maybe it is just me. Maybe I am just old fashioned.

Reproducer is more akin to electronic reproduction. I would call the device that converts the mechanical groove modulation to an electrical signal a pickup, transducer or reproducer.

Acoustical reproduction without amplification, the device that converts the groove modulation to air compression and rarefaction is the Soundbox.

Governor Flyball wrote: Mon Jul 08, 2024 2:18 pm

JerryVan wrote: Mon Jul 08, 2024 11:39 am An Orthophonic reproducer is best restored by someone experienced.

Maybe it is just me. Maybe I am just old fashioned.

Reproducer is more akin to electronic reproduction. I would call the device that converts the mechanical groove modulation to an electrical signal a pickup, transducer or reproducer.

Acoustical reproduction without amplification, the device that converts the groove modulation to air compression and rarefaction is the Soundbox.

It would appear that, in the strictest sense, you are correct. Right or wrong however, common vernacular seems to favor "reproducer".

Let's just all agree on "Schalldose", then, ja? I understood what the OP meant. Obviously not like a mimeograph machine...

Also, about how much do yall think it would cost to get my replicator, reproducer, sound box, or schalldose, repaired by a professional?

sawgrid wrote: Tue Jul 09, 2024 10:57 pm Also, about how much do yall think it would cost to get my replicator, reproducer, sound box, or schalldose, repaired by a professional?

I would reach out to Wyatt Markus @ [email protected] and ask. He does great work and turns it around quickly. He does the best work on these reproducers.

It definitely needs a rebuild! Heck my orthos are only half rebuilds! Can only imagine how a nice full one will sound on your 8-35 or my 8-30X. I still haven’t done the alcohol glycerin thing to the horn on my Credenza either…you don’t have to worry since you got a metal horn on yours!

gramophone-georg wrote: Tue Jul 09, 2024 2:51 am Let's just all agree on "Schalldose", then, ja? I understood what the OP meant. Obviously not like a mimeograph machine...

Main plattenspieler es kaput...