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New to the forum -"Meteor" question

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2017 10:51 pm
by andyjon1100
Hello, everybody! New guy to the forum here, although I Am an ARF member....
I found this really pretty Meteor for sale about 1 ½ hours away from me, for what I think is a decent price. It looks to be in really nice physical condition , but I am waiting for more pics from the seller. I was wondering if there is anything I should know about these that can't be shown in pictures (besides hidden pot metal issues)....Is there anything I should look for in particular motor wise ? Is there anything that would be considered unobtanium if it is missing / damaged, being an "off brand"? I would like to know before I make the trek. Would anyone have an ides as to what model it is? I have found SOME information on Meteor as a company (the automotive end), but not much on their foray into phonographs - it seems to have been relatively short lived.
Thanks for any info!
Andy

Re: New to the forum -"Meteor" question

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2017 11:29 pm
by VanEpsFan1914
Hey! Welcome to the affliction.

That Meteor machine looks pretty good. The arm, I think is generic. You'll want to take it out before trying to transport it, because its fragile. Also,taking the platter off is usually a good idea. On both my Victor Victrolas the platter just lifts up.

The Meteor had some sort of crazy front door, I saw, and it folds up inside the cabinet so you can have the record cabinet open without bumping into the door. That was the unique feature. Other than that they're what collectors might call "just another off brand" but come on, for crying out loud, how many metric tons of Victrolas must we see before a Meteor shows up? (Not knocking Victor though--mine gave too much musical pleasure to diss like that.)

I do think the reproducer will need to be rebuilt, as the old gaskets never sound good. That would be like the equivalent of re-capping a tube radio: a real must-have for anything like original performance.

Cool phonograph. Good luck with the purchase!

Re: New to the forum -"Meteor" question

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2017 12:35 am
by gramophone-georg
Being an ex Ohioan for awhile I've always been intrigued by the Meteor machines and elusive records. It's "Pick-way" Ohio, by the way. ;)

I did wind up with a green Genola from Elyria near Cleveland- that I need a reproducer for. Be cool to find a red one now. :D

Re: New to the forum -"Meteor" question

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2017 8:57 am
by estott
That is a Heineman tone arm, good quality, not hard to replace the gaskets. http://www.radio-antiks.com/Design/Asse ... era/33.jpg

Re: New to the forum -"Meteor" question

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2017 11:13 am
by briankeith
Like I always say - love the off-brands. Odd that most collectors just pass them by :cry:

Re: New to the forum -"Meteor" question

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2017 1:09 pm
by JerryVan
Looks very nice! You've gotten some great advice already. I'll just add, that when you transport it, you'll probably want to lay it on its back. When doing so, be careful to not let the lid flop open and break the lid prop off or mess up the hinge. Welcome, and enjoy your new find!

Re: New to the forum -"Meteor" question

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2017 3:03 pm
by briankeith
Off brands are great machines - some have really nice cabinets, grille work, etc. Many manufacturers I've never heard of !!

Re: New to the forum -"Meteor" question

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2017 9:29 pm
by Curt A
Meteor was most noted for it's funeral home business and hearse production... Maybe they got into phonographs as a "pre-need" business model - sell someone a phonograph and then when the time comes, it could be converted into a casket. :lol:

Re: New to the forum -"Meteor" question

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2017 10:35 pm
by Tmahan72
I have the same machine. Love it!

Re: New to the forum -"Meteor" question

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 12:45 pm
by andyjon1100
Thanks for all of your input - unfortunately, I just found out it was sold out from under me..... I asked for a few more pictures because I can't just pick up and waste a 1 ½ - 2 hour drive if it turned out to have major issues. I guess he who hesitates is TRULY lost. :cry: