The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

My tone arm on my "PAL" phonograph sort of binds.The record would play awhile then keep repeating it's self.Should the tone arm be taken apart and cleaned? Also if I need a tone arm replacement,which generic ones can I use.thanks

Bob

Hi Bob:

Is it this type of tonearm?

SEE -- http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.267891448.jpg

If so, it's pot metal, and the sluggishness is due to the fact that the base of the tonearm has swollen, somewhat.

If a few drops of penetrating oil do not do the job, and the tonearm's base is affixed to the cabinet with screws, you might try removing the tonearm, and have a good look at the bottom of its base to see where it's binding.

I had this problem with a Birch portable I owned many years ago. I found that it was binding in one area, so I lubricated it with oil and remounted the tonearm so that the non-sticking part was within the arc of movement required to play a record. It worked okay after that.

Another option is to try to wedge a sheet of #400 wet or dry sandpaper between the tonearm and its base, and rub the area by moving the base back and forth, until the binding area is smoothed out. (The would take some time, of course.)

I remember that there was a collector who posted a lengthy description of removing the tonearm from its base and polishing both areas, but since all the parts are pot metal--including the ring that hold the base to the tonearm--I don't think I'd try this for fear of cracking something.

DS

Hi David

Thanks for your reply.I will try what you said.Will let you know how I make out

Bob