Columbia BKT 2&4 minute reproducer repair tips

[E.R. Johnson]

Hello all,

I seem to have come across a Columbia BKT reproducer of the 2&4 minute variety, which requires rebuilding. I replaced the diaphragm and the gaskets, but before i re install the original stylus, could someone tell me if i should replace it with a columbia 4 minute stylus, and if i replace the original with the 4m, will it still play 2m records? Could someone also post a picture of an original 2&4 minute stylus so that I may verify if mine is original or has been replaced at some point?

[Lucius1958]

Hello all,

I seem to have come across a Columbia BKT reproducer of the 2&4 minute variety, which requires rebuilding. I replaced the diaphragm and the gaskets, but before i re install the original stylus, could someone tell me if i should replace it with a columbia 4 minute stylus, and if i replace the original with the 4m, will it still play 2m records? Could someone also post a picture of an original 2&4 minute stylus so that I may verify if mine is original or has been replaced at some point?

As far as I know, Columbia never made a stylus exclusively for 4-minute records. They did have a 'combination' stylus that was supposed to work on both 2- and 4-minute cylinders - by then, of course, they were using Indestructible cylinders: just don't use it on wax cylinders....

Bill

[ChuckA]

Hello all,
Could someone also post a picture of an original 2&4 minute stylus so that I may verify if mine is original or has been replaced at some point?

Here's an original 4 min Columbia




Chuck

[E.R. Johnson]

Chuck,

Would that type of stylus work with a 2 minute cylinder as well as a 4 minute?

[ChuckA]

Chuck,

Would that type of stylus work with a 2 minute cylinder as well as a 4 minute?

These were designed for the Indestructible cylinders
Works OK for 2 min records, better on the 4 min ones. Definitely don't use on any wax records.

Chuck

[Curt A]

I recently had Steven Medved restore my original Columbia Lyric reproducer to use on my BF with a 2/4 minute conversion. He recommended using an Edison H bar and stylus, which fit perfectly and works extremely well, just like an Edison 2/4 conversion. I am well pleased with the results.
Curt