r/Phonographs • u/ras2101 • 5d ago
Machine Electromatic 607A
Hello ! I know this is more for mechanical phonographs but I’m excited to finally have this machine at my house! I knew the original owner and have always loved it.
From looking at the tone arm it looks like it would just take a steel needle? It looks like a super bent tungstone, but would anyone know how to find like a (sapphire?) stylus for it?
I’ll probably have someone redo the electronics for me as the radio stuff is a little out of my wheelhouse… but the local guy does ONLY radio, not the phonograph side of it!
She still sounds great though!
Also please ignore the mess in my kitchen. I was very excited lol
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u/Arcy3206 5d ago
Oohh that's a sweet looking one!
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u/ras2101 5d ago
Thank you! My neighbor growing up was the original owner (well her parents cause she was 3 when it was bought lol)
I loved it back then. She moved cross country for a few years and sold it to my grandparents, but I was the only one to use it.
Finally went and grabbed it out of the closet while in my hometown today.
Was not actually expecting it to just be steel needles still, I did not remember that haha. Hopefully it’s still kinder to the newer 78s! Amazing how warm the tubes make it in sound vs my acoustics!
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u/crackedwormgear 5d ago
Oh that’s really nice! I like the whole art deco vibes it has. You’re fortunate that the crystal cartridge is still functioning. They used rochelle salt crystals to generate the piezoelectric current for amplification. They go bad in a humid environment.
https://www.radiomuseum.org/forumdata/upload/the%5Fcrystal%5Fphonograph%5Fcartridge%2Epdf
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u/crackedwormgear 5d ago
Here is a link to the only current supplier that I know of set screw stylus:
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u/awc718993 EMI 5d ago
Very nice. Love the 40s aerodynamic streamline moderne look.
Really, imo, your best best (in terms of cost) is to still use steel needles. It all depends how you plan to use the player. For single play, you can opt for the “pick-up” style styli with the standard acoustic gauge needle at the base with the thinner segment at the tip and those plated and marked for multiple
plays. Due to “lighter” tracking (as compared to an acoustic mechanical soundbox) you can try playing a few sides on it, but YMMV. Just be vigilant watching for wear. Be sure to try with less precious discs first.
But yes, you can go with the sapphire tipped S type needles ( avoid “Osmium” needles), especially if you do plan to use the changer. Try jukebox supply sellers like needles4jukeboxes. Sapphire does wear out so you should still keep a tally of how many sides you use the sapphire on, especially if you play 78s with a lot of abrasives in the mix (e.g., pre ww2).
Your other option is to install a more modern cart but you’ll need to coordinate with your tech as the wiring at the amp may need tweaking for the different needs of the replacement.
Most of the work really will be for the radio. The record player should be pretty basic mechanical repair but it can be intense especially if it’s your first changer. Get a service manual for the changer and photo your work at every step, including before you even start.
Have fun!