Columbia Grafonola No.6 Phonograph Reproducer Mica Diaphragm & Gasket Kit

Description

Columbia Grafonola No.6 Reproducer
Mica, Diaphragm Gaskets & Wax
Other Kits and Parts Available - See My Other Listings
This Kit Includes:
1 Mica Diaphragm
2 Diaphragm Gaskets
Beeswax for sealing diaphragm
Please note that the gaskets have different thicknesses just like the original Columbia parts. The bottom gasket is normally slightly thicker than the top gasket, but sometimes they are reversed. Be sure that you install them accordingly. The different thicknesses help assure that the needle arm of your Columbia No.6 will properly align.
THIS KIT WILL ONLY FIT THE COLUMBIA No.6 REPRODUCER AS SHOWN IN THE PICTURE ABOVE.
Do not buy this kit if you do not have a Columbia No.6.
The reproducers and needle arm parts are shown for reference only.
They are NOT included and are NOT for sale.
You are ONLY purchasing (1) diaphragm, (2) gaskets and (1) piece of wax.
Note - Read this before you buy
: It is assumed that you have a basic understanding of how to disassemble and reassemble the Columbia No.6 reproducer, and, that you have access to small tools of
good quality
which are necessary to properly perform the work. The following information will help you understand what is involved. My goal is not to scare you away from doing the work, but rather to point out how easy it is to damage your reproducer if suitable care is not taken.
Look carefully at your reproducer and the exploded view in this listing. Study them well and read the description that follows. If you do not have suitably small tools of good quality or if you are not confident to perform the work yourself I can provide the service for a nominal fee. Because of the ultra small hardware and potential for accidental damage I conservatively rate this work as slightly difficult to difficult for most people.
The needle arm is held to the diaphragm by way of a threaded end and one very small removable nut on the back side of the diaphragm. A set of four small washers (two on the front of the diaphragm and two on the back) are also present. Take care working with this threaded end as the needle arm is very easy to shear off and very expensive to replace.
Two slotted set screws with taper-point ends, two lock washers, and two nuts hold the needle arm in place. Proper tension of these nuts in the final adjustment is critical.
A threaded retaining ring with four locating holes clamps the diaphragm gaskets and diaphragm in place. The amount of compression necessary in final assembly is strictly a matter of experience and tuning by ear. The only proper, ideal, tool for the removal and installation of the retaining ring is a specialized four-point spanner wrench. Lacking the proper tool some folks have been able to loosen and tighten the retaining ring using your thumbs. Be careful if you take the "thumbs" approach as it is very easy to break the diaphragm or worse. Early rings are made of brass and are strong while later rings are made of pot metal that is very easy to snap. If you break your diaphragm or retaining ring using your thumbs it is 100% your fault - I already recommended a spanner wrench as the ideal tool. Any and all broken parts are replaced 100% at your expense
I have been collecting and servicing antique phonographs, radios, and other mechanical antiques for over 35 years. About 15 years ago I decided to operate my shop on a full time basis. I always guarantee my work because customers deserve such assurance. The quality of good work comes from the study of actual antique phonographs and historical documents. If you always look at history for help, you will always find the best possible answers for any problems you encounter.