The outside edge of the Orthophonic diaphragm isn't supposed to move, so is
clamped down between those thin paper gaskets. There's really no advantage
in switching to something softer, as it'll be too thin to offer any
cushioning AND will still be squashed down hard & flat by the reproducer
shell. Preventing air leaks is the only real function of the Orthophonic
gaskets. Brunswick used the same type of shellacked paper or cardboard in
their acoustic "Panatrope" box.
I have a portable (made specifically for the Linguaphone language courses)
which has a weird combo: an Ortho-like aluminum diaphragm AND hollow rubber
gaskets, same as used with mica. The box is of the one-piece type, on which
the second gasket is tucked-in around the rim ... replacing those was
frustrating as Heck, because until the entire top gasket was in, the uneven
pressure buckled the diaphragm horribly! The sound quality is good, but
not any better than an Orthophonic.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steven Medved" <[email protected]>
To: "Phono-l" <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 11:34 AM
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Orthophonic Reproducer Gaskets question...
Hello Al,
The original looks like paper coated with shellac to me. I have spoken to
people who rebuild them and they tell me you get better sound from
neoprene. I would assume Ron Sitko is selling them.
Steve
From: [email protected]
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:26:27 -0400
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Orthophonic Reproducer Gaskets question...
Does anyone on this learned list know what material was used as gaskets
on
the Victor Orthophonic reproducer? I have been asked to make a punch and
die to cut them out but if someone is already making them I don't intend
on
reinventing the wheel.
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