s19 reproducer condition

[ben]

Just bought an s19 for 90 bucks at a flea market and love it but not sure if the reproducer is in good shape or not. What are a few things to Look for to determine if it needs repair? I had an old Edison record and when played it only plays for one turn before being scratched and the reproducer seems to be bogging down the turn table. Thank you so much for reading and any advise helps!

[gibsonj]

Hello Ben

Your reproducer very likely requires a re-build at a minimum to replace the gaskets that isolate and cushion the diaphragm. After almost 100 years, they are hard and brittle. Beyond that, it sounds like your diamond stylus is compromised. You can look at the diamond using a jeweler's loupe or other magnifier to see if it still has its normal sharp point or if it is worn down or fractured. Some folks test the condition of the stylus be positioning the reproducer in the run-off area of a diamond disc record, and observe whether any scratches or grey residue results.

If you need a replacement stylus, expect to spend $100 or more for it.

Finally, if you want to PM me, I can send you a copy of a diamond disc owner's manual, that describes how to "set up" your reproducer, which essentially is making sure it is properly aligned to track the record grooves.

Hope this helps you.

John