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Post by thepickle1960 on Jan 11, 2020 19:52:59 GMT -5
First I would like to say thanks for letting me join
My father recently bought a Edison Standard Phonograph at an auction
I Installed a new belt and connected the diaphragm wire to the needle. It turns fine but the reproducer won’t track across the record. Is there any adjustment for this? Any advice would be appreciated
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Post by lucius1958 on Jan 11, 2020 21:43:34 GMT -5
Hi!
Tracking problems can be traced to a couple of sources: either the half nut is not contacting the feed screw properly; or the carriage rod is fouled with rust or congealed oil, or otherwise damaged. If the carriage moves freely when the reproducer is raised, then the half nut is probably the culprit.
In that case, you can adjust the spring steel bar that holds the half nut, gently bending it until it engages the feed screw; the carriage should then track. Let me know how it turns out.
BillS
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Post by thepickle1960 on Jan 12, 2020 20:29:26 GMT -5
Hi! Tracking problems can be traced to a couple of sources: either the half nut is not contacting the feed screw properly; or the carriage rod is fouled with rust or congealed oil, or otherwise damaged. If the carriage moves freely when the reproducer is raised, then the half nut is probably the culprit. In that case, you can adjust the spring steel bar that holds the half nut, gently bending it until it engages the feed screw; the carriage should then track. Let me know how it turns out. BillS Thank you that works great and is now tracking fine. Wondering if there is any adjustment procedures for the needle as the sound is not right |
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Post by thepickle1960 on Jan 12, 2020 20:33:05 GMT -5
Hi! Tracking problems can be traced to a couple of sources: either the half nut is not contacting the feed screw properly; or the carriage rod is fouled with rust or congealed oil, or otherwise damaged. If the carriage moves freely when the reproducer is raised, then the half nut is probably the culprit. In that case, you can adjust the spring steel bar that holds the half nut, gently bending it until it engages the feed screw; the carriage should then track. Let me know how it turns out. BillS Thank you that works great and is now tracking fine. Wondering if there is any adjustment procedures for the needle as the sound is not right When the reproducer is put dow it looks like the pressure is to great. |
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Post by lucius1958 on Jan 12, 2020 22:05:21 GMT -5
That might be the stylus bar/diaphragm link: if it's too short, the stylus will project too far down. It takes a little fiddling to get the correct length.
BTW, if you haven't done so already, you can also improve the sound by replacing the gaskets in the reproducer. Replacements are available from a number of suppliers.
BillS
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Post by thepickle1960 on Jan 13, 2020 20:00:59 GMT -5
That might be the stylus bar/diaphragm link: if it's too short, the stylus will project too far down. It takes a little fiddling to get the correct length. BTW, if you haven't done so already, you can also improve the sound by replacing the gaskets in the reproducer. Replacements are available from a number of suppliers. BillS It seems to be playing alright but I’ll know better when I bring it to my dad’s after work. I didn’t bring the horn with me. Where the reproducer rests on the bar in front it has a knurled screw but there seems like there’s something missing. Not really sure about how it is supposed to work. Can I insert a photo on this board? |
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Post by lucius1958 on Jan 13, 2020 22:24:34 GMT -5
Certainly, you can post photos; I believe I posted some info on that elsewhere on the board.
I haven't yet dealt with a lift knob; but I believe there is a small spring in there, which pushes a pin back in when the reproducer is lifted. Pulling the knob out allows you to lower the reproducer.
BillS
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Post by thepickle1960 on Jan 14, 2020 18:54:25 GMT -5
I was out at my dad tonight and when I put the horn on it was too much pressure and almost stopped turning. The horn is huge and I’m not sure if it the right one or not. I will take some photos on Saturday and post them .
Again I thank you for your help and time on this matter
I am new to the Edison phonographs but have lots of experience with machine repair and working on antique grandfather clocks
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Post by lucius1958 on Jan 14, 2020 22:36:43 GMT -5
The original factory issue horn for the earlier Edisons was a 14" black and brass "witches' hat". Larger horns require a crane to support them: if your horn has a ring on it, or a loop to hold one, it should use a crane. Reproduction Edison cranes are available from a number of suppliers; or you can find original cranes of various makes on Ebay or Craigslist.
My experience with the Standard is that the Edison crane works only with horns of relatively short length; anything larger and heavier will cause the machine to tip over. That's why I use an after-market crane on the Standard, and the Edison crane on my Home, which is a heavier machine.
With large, crane-mounted horns, you'll also need a section of rubber tubing between the horn and the reproducer: that way, you can adjust the angle of the horn for best sound projection.
Oh, btw: I strongly recommend the Talking Machine Forum (TMF) as a resource: there are many experienced and helpful collectors there. This board, unfortunately, peaked a few years ago; I still browse it as a sort of "skeleton crew", checking for new posts and responding where I can.
BillS
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Post by thepickle1960 on Jan 14, 2020 22:43:06 GMT -5
It has a crane and the rubber tubing but when it attaches it puts to much weight on the reproducer. Looking at the screw it is missing the spring so it sits right on the front rail. Am I right to think the spring latch gives it adjustment so the needle is not forced down on yhe record?
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Post by lucius1958 on Jan 14, 2020 22:48:38 GMT -5
Adjusting the height of the crane (if it is adjustable) may relieve some of the load on the reproducer; otherwise, you might try backing the half nut off *very* slightly, and see if that improves things.
Otherwise, see my addendum about the TMF.
BillS
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Post by thepickle1960 on Jan 19, 2020 19:38:04 GMT -5
I have some good pictures of the machine and would like to know the easiest method to post them if it’s not too much trouble
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Post by lucius1958 on Jan 20, 2020 22:20:50 GMT -5
See my post "Adding Photos" in this section.
BillS
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