Victor Orthophonic Soundbox-Reproducer
Rubber Insert /Mounting Gasket - Do It Yourself

Most Orthophonic Reproducers in original condition require replacement of this gasket because most of them are as hard as a rock. These are very easy to replace. If your reproducer is missing its mounting flange or if it is in original condition with hardened or very mushy rubber, this is what you need. This gasket is inserted into the flange on the back of your reproducer and is held in place using two set screws. This gasket will fit the Victor No.5 and No.5A as well as the HMV 5 and 5A. The inside diameter (i.e. the brass portion) is designed to mount exclusively on Victor and HMV Orthophonic type tone arms.

Check your mounting flange: Take your reproducer and push a small pointed object like a toothpick against the rubber. If it is good it will feel springy. If it is too mushy you will be able to push the toothpick tip into the rubber such that it will actually stay. If it has dried out and has become too hard you will not be able to push the tip in the rubber at all.Important Tip: A hardened or mushy rubber mounting flange, although it may still mount to your reproducer and seem to hang in there, not only reduces the performance of the reproducer but it is also hazardous to your records. The hardness of a rubber or other material is specified using a term called \"durometer\". During play, a good rubber flange, in part, helps the reproducer track the groove by absorbing some of the energy caused by the needle movement during record play. When the rubber has either become hardened (durometer is too high) or mushy (durometer is too low) the flange cannot efficiently do its job. If it is too hard, then the vibrations caused by the needle during play cannot be dampened, tracking is poor, and because of the mass of the large tone arm, vibrations are ultimately transmitted back to the needle tip where they inflict damage (cut) in the groove walls. If the rubber is too soft, excessive movement of the reproducer body results which not only causes poor tracking but also damages the groove walls.Please observe the quality of the parts that I am selling. Even though you may be happy to just find anything that seems like it will work because yours is missing or busted, take a minute and examine what you are buying. Please feel free to ask questions.

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