https://gracyk.com/forum/forum.php?id=9 Just another bbPress community en-US Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:54:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://gracyk.com/forum/search.php https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-207 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:50:00 +0000 vintagegrma 207@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Hi Joe--your info puts our minds at ease. We have so many 78 albums (Tango and other ethnic music collections--waltzes--good ol' Bing Crosby sets, etc.) that were produced in the 30's and 40's and so hoping that we could skip the steel needle route recommended on the album covers and records &amp; use this Shure cartridge without damaging the records. The on-line source-- Jerry Raskins Needle Dr thought this would be the best cartridge to use in our price range. </p> <p>The Garrard 95B SL we will use has an adjustable weight on the end of the tonal arm. Any recommendations on a good setting for 78's with a more modern unit? Ha--I still think of the 60's as modern. </p> <p>We will save the 20's records for the Victrola VV-40 and use steel needles.<br /> "Keep on Winding" TC VG </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=158#post-203 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:44:01 +0000 mwhite80 203@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>I recently purchased what seems to be a very old hand crank Silvertone portable phonograph. It works beautifully, has a speed adjustment screw, record compartment, hand crank, and extra needles in a holding compartment with a spring loaded lid. I have searched and searched the internet hoping to find out just how old it is and am having no luck. If you can give me any info or point me in the right direction it would certainly be appreciated! </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=157#post-202 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:43:12 +0000 spaggy 202@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Hello, I just joined your forum today, I'm hoping to find a few answers about my new ResselBell Phonograph player, which is built into a beauitful ornate Tiger oak Sideboard with all it's orignal hardware in place. I date the sideboard around the late 1920's or so. The speaker is made of thin oak, which is built into the inside cabnet under the phonograph. The sound is very pleasent and clear. Works real well. If you would like some photos you may send me a email <a href="mailto:sspagnolo@ca.rr.com">sspagnolo@ca.rr.com</a><br /> Not sure how to upload photos on this forum.</p> <p>Thanks,<br /> Sal </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=153#post-197 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:13:07 +0000 poodlesrule 197@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Replying to myself (!) to add that, on close inspection, one can see a paper label reading "Pathé Freres, Brooklyn, N.Y. through the holes in the platen (that explains the Pathé speed adjust!).</p> <p>Was the electric drive assembly sourced from Pathé for Echo-la<br /> or,<br /> Was it a retrofit of a better drive than original, which may have been a spring motor?</p> <p>The metal grommet (esturcheon?) on the wood frame, where the electrical cord comes out looks like it could be where the original crank was... </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=153#post-196 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:31:50 +0000 poodlesrule 196@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Friendly neighbor just gave me an electric-drive "Echo-La phonograph.</p> <p>Total non-collector newbie, this is my first few hours with it, and I am carefully examining the beast first.<br /> The electric cord is broken so I do not know if motor is working. We tried it via manual spinning and horn system is all there and works, apparently.</p> <p>I welcome any information about the manufacturer, even though I am aware that there used to be hundreds of them back then!</p> <p>A question: The speed adjust reads "Pathé". I find that surprising. Was that common or good a device so that many manufacturers were using it as a de-facto standard, perhaps?</p> <p>The speed adjust seems frozen, Could I apply a little quality sewing machine oil?</p> <p>- p </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=140#post-182 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:29:21 +0000 johnny 182@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Hello all<br /> looking for brass caster for a Edison model a-1 original or repro<br /> also need metal clip with screw in the middle to to secure the cylinder<br /> that goes in the drawer<br /> also the little screw that tightens on the side for sucuring the reproducer<br /> thanks<br /> JM </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-177 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:41:31 +0000 Joe Patterson 177@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>I would like to make a correction on my last post. When I said to use a 3-mil stylus, I meant to not use a 1-mil stylus. Your 2.5-mil stylus is just fine! </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-176 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:31:31 +0000 Joe Patterson 176@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Records made prior to the early 1930's were made with the assumption that they would be played on acoustical players, in which a diaphram is driven by the needle on the record. thus all of the acoustical power of the resulting sound was driven by the record itself. By the late 1930's, it was assumed that most players were electronic, and the records no longer faced such heavy loading. The new records were quieter, but wore quickly when played on an old, acoustical machine. because of the heavy loading, diamond needles produced excessive wear, and it was recommended that they NOT be used. Recommended were steel needles, or hard organic ones such as Cactus needles. Small hand-held sharpeners for cactus needles were common, and the needles needed to be sharpened every couple of plays. Steel and cactus needles are still available.<br /> Modern phono cartridges (either moving iron or moving coil types) place only a tiny fraction of the loading on the record produced by the old reproducers. Modern diamond tipped styluses, used with modern reproducers, do not put excessive loads on the records, wear very slowly, and are highly recommended for ALL records, regardless of age. Your new Shure cartridge should do just fine for ALL of your 78's, but be sure to use a 3-mil stylus! I am presently using a Shure cartridge myself! If you want to play your old records on a horn-type phonograph, steel or cactus needles are acceptable for records made during the acoustical period, but don't play newer ones on them. Even on old records, wear will be greater than with a modern reproducer.</p> <p>As for non-alcholic cleaners, Geoffrey Brown, curator of Conservation at the kelsey Museum at the University of Michigan, has written a piece on cleaning shellac discs. He recommends using Labtone detergent with deionized water. (Labtone is a proprietary brand name of VWR Scientific.) With shellac records, any water must be removed quickly and the record dried thoroughly. I found that Labtone is available only in large containers, and costs over $90 for 8 lbs.<br /> The Nitty-Gritty cleaning device from Great britain is supposed to be quite effective, but it, too is expensive, with models starting at just under $500. So, being retired, I am still looking myself! </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=132#post-162 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:07:50 +0000 powerburger 162@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>I purchased a Victrola from an antique store a few months ago not knowing exactly what it was, just that it was an awesome piece of furniture that could play records, and I wanted it. I of course did some research and have learned a lot about Victrola's and how awesome they really are. I am a little confused though. It is a flat top model with a set of doors and a drawer to the left of the table and horn for storage. The model that looks closest to it on the Victor website is the VV-215. But, mine has a lot more decorative shapes in the wood, and has straight legs. Every photo I have ever seen of a Victrola has those kind of bowed legs (I don't know what those are called). Does anyone know exactly what model or year this one is? I can email a photo to someone if they think they know what it might be. </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=129#post-159 Tue, 27 Sep 2011 02:26:51 +0000 erinbhburke 159@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>I have an old "victrola" that my dad purchased at an antique shop in Germany during the 70s. The brand is "Fowela" and it still works great! Anyone heard of this? If not, can anyone tell me who I may contact that would know?</p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=128#post-158 Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:58:20 +0000 sheilagh 158@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>I have a United Phonograph and would like to know where I can find information about it. I cannot read the model number but the serial number is there. I would like help in learning how to repair both the cabinet and the player. Thank you </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=124#post-154 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:57:55 +0000 billyboyny 154@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Hi<br /> I'm hoping someone out there might be familiar with the Puritan phonograph. I just picked one up... the bombe cabinet in mahogany... beautiful little machine but I've got some questions about the motor and the tone arm configuration as well as the reproducer.</p> <p>I'm going to need a puritan reproducer and someone to work on the motor? </p> <p>Any chance someone can help?</p> <p>thanks a lot<br /> Billy Daugherty<br /> Brooklyn NY </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=120#post-150 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:15:28 +0000 tompass 150@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Stumbled upon a tone arm in very good condition along with the brass or bronze Cheney medallion that generally found affixed to the player. Not sure if of any value to collectors but if so, email me for details.</p> <p><a href="mailto:tpass743@optonline.net">tpass743@optonline.net</a> </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=117#post-145 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:42:58 +0000 judytrillium 145@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>I inherited my grandparents' Phonola phonograph from the Elmira Ontario area. It's painted nameplate says, "Phonola, registered July 11, 1907" In a different spot is a metal tag that says, "Chippendale" and another that says "Phonola Co of Canada, LTD"</p> <p>In the beginner section, (which applies to me) I read a list of manufacturers and found Phonola started in chicago in 1916. This leads me to believe this company started in Canada where the patents of the big 3 were not being enforced, and then moved to Chicago or opened a branch there in 1916. What do you think? </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=113#post-141 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 03:40:35 +0000 rivergh 141@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>I have a Brunswick Belke - Collender phonograph s/n 117 86932. What can anyone tell me abouy it? </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=109#post-134 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:40:24 +0000 Petrvs 134@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Now there is some pics of my VV-4-40: <a href="http://www.peteroljelund.se/victrola/" rel="nofollow">http://www.peteroljelund.se/victrola/</a></p> <p>Enjoy :-) </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=109#post-132 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 07:54:56 +0000 Petrvs 132@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Greetings :-)</p> <p>Today,here in Stockholm, Sweden it will be a very important day for me as an enthusiastic newbie on these matters. This very evening I am going to buy a beautiful Victrola VV 4-40 from a person who is not interested in this kind of "old stuff".He has inherit this Victrola from a relative and will quickly get rid of it. So the price is, atleast I think so, very low: $280. I have not yet listen to it or tried it, but I will take with me some 78 records and will see what it can do. I have already in my joy made place for it in the living room :-) So...is there anybody out there who can give me some tip about this particurlar music machine? I am already in love with it :-)<br /> For example...what should I think about when I move it from his address to mine?...It is with a rented car (combi) so the Victrola has to lie down during the trip to my house. </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-123 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:27:42 +0000 vintagegrma 123@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>We have purchased a NEW Shure M78S 1/2" mount--2.5 MIL Spherical Tip--1.5-3.0 g Tracking Force cartridge and stylus from an on-line needle store.<br /> This will be used on a Garrard SL 95-B turntable to play our many 10 &amp; 12 inch 78 records.</p> <p>Our question is which 78 records can we safely play using this new stylus? We did not realize that people were still using steel needles way into the 40's--esp. with Victor records. We realize that the 78's from the 20's and 30's are out but can someone explain the best way to determine which 78's should still be played with the steel needles &amp; which 78 records ?? with the newer diamond/sapphire style needles. </p> <p>Also some 78's produced in the 1950's appear to be vinyl and we would assume you would not play these records with our M78S stylus. Any thoughts??</p> <p>We are anxious to start cleaning up and playing our record collection but as you can read need to educate ourselves a little more. We hope this forum can help us out. We don't want to damage records or needles.</p> <p>Also some on-line stores sell cleaning solutions without alcohol for 78 records--anyone out there with any experience on cleaning 78's--which kinds are safe to clean with a non-alcohol based cleaner? Would this be safe on early 20's and 30's records?</p> <p>We do have a 1928 Victor Talking Machine Victrola VV 4-40 unit to play the older 78's on. </p> <p>One more: Where are record dates of production hidden on records? Victor and Columbia Record Lists in Book form are helpful but it sure would be easier to crack the code, so to speak on the record itself if possible. </p> <p>Thanks &amp; everyone &amp; Keep Winding! VG </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=94#post-116 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:52:52 +0000 or_5617 116@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>If you live near cinti, maybe we could get together with our records we have from parents estate... 1905 and 1908 albums of Victor the dog records in original jacket and labels in mint condition and sell all this as a pkg. to some collector.... </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=94#post-113 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:31:45 +0000 Bill Metcalf 113@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>We have a 1930s fully restored Victrola portable. We purchased it in 2001 from Nipper's Choice in Keene NH. We are looking to donate it to a museum or charity. Can you provide us with any ideas? </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=87#post-103 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:48:49 +0000 willbones 103@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>I have an old Edison Opera model-- from my great uncle and it's in excellent working condition. I was wondering how to keep the oak horn and base so it has a nice sheen. It looks pretty good, but am curious if anyone has suggestions on the wood care for this.<br /> Thanks </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=78#post-93 Sun, 15 May 2011 04:33:12 +0000 NiceMustang 93@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>I am looking for some information around the BN1500. Its a cabinet mounted dual sided phonograph with record storage inside the front left door and under the top left cover which lifts up. The player is under the top right cover and the speaker area is behind the inside right door. </p> <p>My mom received this as a present from my future father on a date back in the 40's, and as she tells the story it was purchased as New Old Stock from the basement of a music store. They got it in the original packaging and it was apparently left over for many years and never sold before they bought it. Time has a way of mixing reality, but its a nice story never the less.</p> <p>I'm looking for any information on this, especially if I can find an original brochure or advertisement. Any information on what it might have sold for new and what it might be worth today would be interesting as well.</p> <p>Thanks for your time! </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=75#post-88 Sun, 01 May 2011 02:42:32 +0000 ldouglas64 88@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>My father recently acquired an antigue phonograph and I am looking for information on the manufacturer. The phonagraph is a wind up phonograph. It a cabinet style unit with the turntable mechanism and sound box on the right side of the cabinet. The left side of the cabinet is a storage area for phonographs. The only markings/labels we have found so far are a manufacturer's decal on the inside lid that says Excel Phonograph Company, Chicago and the number 28 stamped into the top edge of the back board of the unit. </p> <p>Does anyone have any information on this manufacturer?</p> <p>Thanks </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=71#post-82 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:48:48 +0000 Dave 82@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Looking for parts for a Player Tone tone arm. I bought a Player Tone talking machine at an auction. The tone arm is broken off &amp; I am hoping to find parts to fix it. </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=68#post-77 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 14:32:13 +0000 Tiger1947 77@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>I need information on a Victrola CREDENZA 633 record player. I have searched the internet and cannot find any information on a model 633. It is electric but the cabinet has a place for a crank. I have had the player for about 45 years and am downsizing and want to sell it.I have a number of pictures. Unit is beautiful and plays great. The reproducer and arm are brass. Please e-mail me at <a href="mailto:mcartor@woodfinheating.com">mcartor@woodfinheating.com</a> or you can call 540-760-5014.<br /> Thanks Tim<br /> Fredericksburg, Va. </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=64#post-73 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:53:08 +0000 Scott 73@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>I recently purchased a very well working Silvertone, it stands about 4 ft tall with a cabinet and it's crank operated. I purchased new needles for it and the sound is good but I'm having trouble controlling the speed of the turn table. I'm not sure how much I'm supposed to crank it, if I need to let it completely run out after each listening, etc. I'm trying to treat this delicately and my fear is that I will over crank it and destroy some mechanism as a result. Right now it seems to run too fast when I begin the record and slows down way too low by the middle to end of the song.<br /> In the lower right corner by the turn table there is a dial that reads fast to slow. But I'm not sure exactly what I'm supposed to do with that option.<br /> Can anyone give me any advice on how much I'm supposed to crank and how to control the speed of the record?<br /> Like I said, this machine is in fantastic condition and I don't want to do anything that will cause unnecessary wear and tear on the components.<br /> Thanks </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=51#post-60 Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:26:45 +0000 jonesclan 60@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>My C-250 has interchangeable reproducers. Both reproducers are attached to the player by a bayonet type connector. The needle reproducer has been damaged in a way that allows it to be seperated at the first swivel joint - the "pot metal" has been broken at that point. I would like to replace it with an original part. The needle reproducer has "No 3 Balance" stamped on its back. It is finished in the "washed gold" finish. Does anyone know where I can find such a part? My on-line searchs have been unsuccessful. All that I really need is the small piece that connects the reproducer to the bayonet mount but I figure that I may have to pickup the entire unit. Can anyone help? Thanks. </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=50#post-59 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:56:35 +0000 Aja 59@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>I have a portable phonograph shown in the picture below, but the winding crank has gone missing! Does anyone have one for sale or any information on where I could get a replacement?</p> <p>Thank you!</p> <p><a href="http://images.cloud.worthpoint.com/wpimages/images/images1/1/0309/15/1_25c3ce49c052b46814f78c7e989b1a37.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://images.cloud.worthpoint.com/wpimages/images/images1/1/0309/15/1_25c3ce49c052b46814f78c7e989b1a37.jpg</a> </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=43#post-50 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:04:59 +0000 robrunge 50@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Hi,<br /> I am trying to research an internal horn cabinet model, it is labeled only with a decal spelling VICTORIA. There are no other manufacturers' plates or tags. The nickle plated reproducer is marked only with a patent date 1913, no other names. The machine seems to be a lesser Victor knock-off. I am hoping someone can provide a bit more information or perhaps direct me to where I can find out the manufacturer, whether American or European, and if there is any collector interest or value. I can provide a few photos if desired. Thanks so much!<br /> Robert </p> https://gracyk.com/forum/topic.php?id=36#post-43 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:38:13 +0000 michelle 43@https://gracyk.com/forum/ <p>Early 1900's Gramophone, made in Switzerland, Manufacturer is Ressel Bell, it is in a cabinet would like to know if there is any value to it. any help or ideas would be appreciated. </p>