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Question about amberola

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 9:40 am
by EdisonWizard
A guy relatively near me has am extensive collection and is parting with some pieces. I'll be getting this amberola (75?) from him soon, it seems like it's in great shape with all the original documentation. My question is, what would be the original grille cloth color that would've been on the machine? Would like to get some, maybe I could go to a fabric shop and grab some good stuff.

This is my first amberola machine so I'm pretty excited. Not sure if it's the machine or the cylinder space so I can get more! He said to have about 3 hours to go thru his collection...I'll take some pics if he let's me to post!

Re: Question about amberola

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 11:20 am
by fran604g
An eBay listing claiming to be the grille with original cloth, for a 75, although the wood type appears to be oak, rather than mahogany. That may indicate a different color may have been used.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Edison-Amberola ... SwGNtZ1s45

-Fran

Re: Question about amberola

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 1:16 pm
by EdisonWizard
Thanks Fran. It looks to me like a brown color, pretty thin. I'll see if I can find something simular. Would like it close as possible to original.

Re: Question about amberola

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 3:56 pm
by dutchman
I just picked up an Oak 75 today and the grill cloth is about the same as yours. Bill K

Re: Question about amberola

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 4:21 pm
by 52089
That's a relatively early 75 with the nickel-plated reproducer, a speed control, and non-mahogany drawers. I think you'll find it to be a nice workhorse with decent sound.

What's the serial number? Mine, with similar features, is in the 24xx range.

Re: Question about amberola

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 4:33 pm
by Phonofreak
I think the grill cloth for a Mahogany 50, or 75 is an olive color similar to the Diamond disk machines. On Oak Amberola machines, it is usually a coffee color. Except for the earliest is a burnt orange. I get my cloth from a good fabric store. You want to make sure the cloth is sheer. If the cloth is too thick, it will muffle the sound. The original grill cloth was silk. Over the decades, silk deteriorates.
Harvey Kravitz

Re: Question about amberola

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 8:18 pm
by EdisonWizard
52089 wrote:That's a relatively early 75 with the nickel-plated reproducer, a speed control, and non-mahogany drawers. I think you'll find it to be a nice workhorse with decent sound.

What's the serial number? Mine, with similar features, is in the 24xx range.

I plan to pick it up Thursday or the following week depending on my schedule. I'll post serial then. I was curious about the drawers, being that they weren't mahogany, but glad to know this is original. I'm giving $500 for it, with the other stuff. This a good price?

Re: Question about amberola

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 8:19 pm
by EdisonWizard
Phonofreak wrote:I think the grill cloth for a Mahogany 50, or 75 is an olive color similar to the Diamond disk machines. On Oak Amberola machines, it is usually a coffee color. Except for the earliest is a burnt orange. I get my cloth from a good fabric store. You want to make sure the cloth is sheer. If the cloth is too thick, it will muffle the sound. The original grill cloth was silk. Over the decades, silk deteriorates.
Harvey Kravitz
Good to know Thanks! I'm guessing I can install with staples or small tacks

Re: Question about amberola

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 8:21 pm
by EdisonWizard
More pics he sent.

Re: Question about amberola

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 8:25 pm
by Phonofreak
Don't use staples or tack!!!!! I don't think Edison used them. I believe they were glued on. I think of you use staples or tacks you'll crack the grill and damage it.I wrote in a previous thread how to glue grill cloth on the grill. If you can't find it, I'll re-write it.
Harvey Kravitz
EdisonWizard wrote:
Phonofreak wrote:I think the grill cloth for a Mahogany 50, or 75 is an olive color similar to the Diamond disk machines. On Oak Amberola machines, it is usually a coffee color. Except for the earliest is a burnt orange. I get my cloth from a good fabric store. You want to make sure the cloth is sheer. If the cloth is too thick, it will muffle the sound. The original grill cloth was silk. Over the decades, silk deteriorates.
Harvey Kravitz
Good to know Thanks! I'm guessing I can install with staples or small tacks