Viva-tonal No. 9 reproducer budget build

[VanEpsFan1914]

I think I've pulled off my cheapest reproducer rebuild. My Viva-Tonal portable is one of the little Columbia 202s which is super small and cute--doesn't get played much because it has a tendency to blast. Decided to tear into the reproducer awhile ago and found out it's rebuildable; the potmetal on the 202 I have is mostly on the internal horn instead of the brass soundbox.

Found some Victor/HMV gasket tubing around here, dug up a used razor blade and broke the corner off that to use for a screwdriver, heated the rosin on the needle bar with a kitchen match and got that pulled off there. Grabbed a fluffy pipe cleaner & the fluid bottle from my Ronson lighter and cleaned the diaphragm, put the whole thing back together, and it plays wonderfully.

That is a whole reproducer built for probably a total of 85 cents.

I shan't be repairing the leatherette with patch material but will be putting replica vintage luggage-labels on there as a sort of bandage to help cover the original leatherette. I do not have the money to get a lot of bookbinding fabric and riveting tools, and that phonograph is far too pretty to risk ruining with my amateurish skills.

It's needed rebuilding for a long time; I'm considering an overhaul of the motor as I've not done that in years. The mainspring may be a bit weak but I forgot what kind of motor is in the 202. For sure I do need to replace the carry-handle. Otherwise it's coming out all right.

[epigramophone]

Depending on the year of production, your Columbia 202 could have one of three different motors.
UK Columbia and HMV merged in 1931 to form EMI. All three versions are pictured.
The red one is pre-EMI with the Garrard No. 50 motor and No.9 soundbox.
The brown one has the HMV No.69 motor and No.15 soundbox.
The black one has the side wound HMV 270 Series motor and No.15 soundbox.