Blake wrote:
A common problem on old phonographs with crystal cartridges seems to be that
the Rochelle salts crystal disintegrates with humidity. I'm working on one
of these phonos now. I have an idea how it might be repaired, but rather
than reinvent the wheel, I thought I would ask how others have attacked this
problem.

It seems to me that I might be able to use a ceramic piezo element like this
one

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...EZO_DISC_.html

to replace the old crystal inside the phono cartridge. The size is just
about right. Has anyone tried this? If so, is the output level and frequency
response comparable to the original crystal?

Or is there a better approach (that doesn't cost more than an old phonograph
is worth)?

Thanks for your comments.


Andy comments:

Well, what is the worst that could happen if you spent a coupla bucks
on a ceramic element and it didn't work as well ?

I suspect that the next step would be to find the cost of a
compatible
replacement cartridge and decide if it is worth the extra money.....

Probly not..... Sometimes you have to spend a few bucks just to
find stuff out...

I would, personally, never consider repairing the inside of a phono
cartridge. It's too tiny. Throw some bucks at the problem. That's the
American way :))))) !!!

Andy in Texas