Rebuilding a Soundbox?

[CharlesH.]

Poking around with my little Silvertone, I checked the soundbox to investigate a buzz and I found out the needle arm is detached from the diaphragm, which is dented like a well used pie pan. Any idea on getting this sounding like new (or at least getting rid of the buzz)? Here's a pic so you can assess the damage.

[Lucius1958]

Well, I would have to say that your best bet is to replace the diaphragm....

You might have to look around to find one that will fit...

[AllWoundUp]

I have one of these reproducers (on an RCA Victor portable) which had pretty much the same problem. The difficulty with them is that they aren't screwed together, the main body is molded with four nubs that go through the metal ring and were smushed down like rivets to hold everything together. I had to grind these off to disassemble, then drill & tap holes to screw it back together.

The rubber diaphragm gaskets were typically petrified so I replaced them with gasket tubing like this:

http://www.phonographs.org/store/produc ... ts_id=1673

and one of these diaphragms:

http://www.phonographs.org/store/produc ... cts_id=610

Sounds pretty good now, good luck with yours.

[Nat]

Get in touch with George Vollema; he has an enormous stock of parts, and is quick, helpful and reasonable about prices:

George Vollema
Great Lakes Antique Phonograph
5092 Muskego Dr.
Newaygo MI 49337-8556
231-652-5753
www.victroladoctor.com

[estott]

That soundbox is a pretty common type- you might find that a replacement is cheaper than a repair.