The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a VV orthophonic reproducer, in great shape except the dreaded pot metal has a split and even some metal missing. Amazingly, rubbing the needle screw produces some good sound, but Im curious if this type of injury can be repaired since everything else looks great. Does anyone repair this type of damage?

Well, it's ugly allright, but have you tried to play a record? If it sounds promising, you could open the bearing covers, remove hardened rubber in there and oil the bearings. Might be OK. Cosmetically, it's hopeless unless you are really good at JB Weld sculpture!

if it works LEAVE IT! if you take it apart there is a good chance it will crumble, put some super glue or epoxy in and around the crack and leave it to prevent the crack spreading, the only thing to do to get a good reproducer is to buy a brass reproducer

Kirtley's correct. Leave it alone and watch for a good replacement. If you try to take it apart you will likely to completely toast it.

Jim

kirtley2012 wrote:the only thing to do to get a good reproducer is to buy a brass reproducer

Not necessarily. I've had several pot metal reproducers that sound fantastic, and I've even had a couple rebuilt. It all depends on the condition of the metal.

Absolutely agree w/ Brandon. I have two brass orthos but my favorite sound comes from a pot metal example that lives on the Credenza. I have found that the cheapest way to get a good reproducer for an orthophonic machine is to buy an HMV 5b from the guy in India that seems to have them up frequently on Ebay. Photos of front and back are essential as the backs are pot metal on these also. I got an excellent 5b this way for less than $60.00 They are easy to disassemble if need be and sound wonderful.