The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm wondering if the proper parts are there. I'm having a hard time imagining what you mean by tightening the screw, since the tonearm is a goose neck type with a crook (sound box tube) that freely swings up and down, and will touch the turntable if the sound box is not in place. The sound box, itself, simply slips onto the end of the tonearm and is twist-locked in place, as illustrated in this owner's manual --

http://www.nipperhead.com/old/vicvi.htm (Click on the thumbnail images to make them full size.)

The proper sound box for your Victrolas would be either the Exhibition sound box -- http://www.nipperhead.com/old/reproid.htm (showing front and back side)

or the Victor No. 2 sound box -- http://www.nipperhead.com/old/reproid.htm (showing front & back side)

Both types of sound boxes should have a brass collar inside their throats, mounted in a rubber gasket, with a stop pin that fits the groove cut into the end of the tonearm's sound box tube. The Exhibition sound box is equipped with a rubber flange--containing the brass collar--that screws onto the back plate, while the #2 sound box's gasket, containing the brass collar, is inserted directly into the back plate.


Nipperhead's step by step instructions for rebuilding an Exhibition sound box will help you identify the parts -- http://www.nipperhead.com/old/reproducers.htm


If possible, please post some photos of the sound boxes you have, along with the tonearms.


By the way, a must have book, that walks you through most repairs, is "The Compleat Talking Machine" by Eric Reiss, which is available at most well stocked book sellers, including -- http://www.amazon.com/Compleat-Talking- ... 1886606226

O.F.

thanks, i think i mean the crook or goose neck that goes into the tonearm with the screw. if i tighten the screw it will not move so you can play. or do i leave the screw loose? RS

mudbone wrote:thanks, i think i mean the crook or goose neck that goes into the tonearm with the screw. if i tighten the screw it will not move so you can play. or do i leave the screw loose? RS

If it freezes when you tighten the screw, probably the joint should be cleaned and lubricated. I'd remove the screw, pull the entire crook out of the collar, clean it off with brass polish and/or very fine steel wool, put a few drops of lightweight oil onto it, reinsert it and re-tighten the screw--just enough to fasten it securely, so there's no shake. It must move freely up and down, however, so play around with the screw's adjustment.

HTH,
O.F.