The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello, i am new to the hobby, I purchased a phonograph and now have the turntable spinning. I just received a record and needles I bought off ebay, but when I set the reproducer on the record, it slows my turn table down until it stops. The reproducer is quite heavy. Can anybody tell me if this is an adjustment issue?

here are some photos of what I have...I have been told it is an orthophonic type reproducer

The one in your picture doesn't look like any vintage reproducer I've seen. Looks like you got took.

That's an interesting looking machine. Any indication of its brand or model?

I agree about the reproducer; but if we can identify the machine, it may be relatively easy to get the proper reproducer - which will make a huge difference!

Also, if it's stopping - have you cleaned and oiled the motor/springs?

Be optimistic - you've got somet hings to do - but finding/fixing is half the fun.

Hmm. Is the needle meeting the record at about a 60 degree angle? Sometimes the reproducer can get twisted closer to 90 degrees which will hurt the record and cause much drag. I know it's obvious, but worth checking.

Regards,
Martin

The machine is called an Artinola,,,made by the Texas Phonograph Company,

And, the needle is at pretty much a 90 degree angle to the record. I will see if I can loosen the reproducer and move the needle to a better angle.

When I bought the machine, it wasn't turning. I took the spring apart and retatached both of them. There was quite a bit of grease already in there. Perhaps I should use some light oil on all the gears? The motor seems to be moving quitkley and freeley. I am just shocked at the weight of the reproducer.

The reproducer arm is in 2 sections, and there is a stop that holds the needle up in the air when you are not playing a record. there is also a stop when the needle is in the playing position, but no adjustment that lets the needle just slightly touch the record. The full weight of the reproducer is on the needle.

Attached is a photo of the back side of the reproducer.

Thanks to everybody for any help, info, and advice!

Sorry..here it is

Looks like you will need to loosen the screws on the back to adjust the reproducer to a 60 degree angle. At 90 degrees there is too much drag on the record. Hope that helps. Also if the record you are playing is a later 78. These acoustic phonographs were made to play the earlier 78's.

It may be the spring, it may need oiling on the governor felt pads and wheel, or in some cases I have had a phonograph quit when I put a record on it that was worn somewhat or the material somehow was difficult for the needle to navigate. A very thin soft needle can bring some records to a halt as well. My guess is either you have a weak spring or the grease and oil.

Larry

I disagree that the reproducer or "sound box" might not be original to the model. The same type of sound box was used on a number of different machines, sold under various names such as the Allen Portable (circa early 1930s) --


FROM -- http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/7018030


...and Sears "Tru-Phonic" late 1920s models.



A sound box can slow a record down for a number of reasons, but the most common are:

1) the sound box is frozen, and in need of a good rebuilding with fresh rubber gaskets. (The needle bar should also be inspected and adjusted for maximum compliance.)

2) the motor is in need of a cleaning/re-greasing and adjustment.

3) the wrong type of records are being played. (Ideally, this was meant to play records produced prior to the mid-1930s.)

And yes, the needle should be facing slightly forward, not straight up and down, when the sound box is in the correct position, as in the above photo, so repositioning it might help.

DS