On Sat, 4 Nov 2006 18:51:42 -0800, "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.


It must be a pretty big cartridge if it will take a 15mm diameter
ceramic disc. In my experience, the crystal/ceramic element in a phono
is quite small so I think you are not going to have any success in
repairing it. The elastic suspension carrier for the element might
have deteriorated as well so you will probably find this a problem.

Not to put too fine a point on it, why not just buy a new ceramic
cartridge and save all the hassle? Though looking at some of the
prices here http://www.turntableneedles.com/brow...cts/Index.html
you might not like it.

You can get better prices here but the range is smaller
http://www.soundring.com.au/Cartridges.cfm