The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I had seen where someone had suggested using a product called rub N Buff to use on worn gold plated phono parts. Of course it won't take the place of true plating but on machines that are kinda average on the outside it's a cheap and easy way to clean up worn parts. It goes on easy and seems to stay on without rubbing off. Says it can be removed so it is reversible. I have not buffed this piece yet but I'm pretty pleased with results. You can get it at most craft shops (Got mine at Hobby Lobby with 40% off coupon so $3) Use the Greco Gold... it looks better than the other two gold options. One tube covers 20 sq feet. I used about enough to cover a pencil eraser head for this goose neck.

Screen Shot 2017-12-08 at 9.14.14 AM by Jeff Lee, on Flickr

That looks great indeed, thank you!

It may have been me - I posted about this Rub & Buff last year. Too bad they don't make a nickel compound though. I duplicated an oxidized finish on my Edison DD reproducer using different Rub & Buff colors. I love this stuff !!

Do they have a tint which would more or less replicate the "antique bronze" finish on the later Orthophonics?

There is an ebony. You might could experiment with it and some gold and see if you could replicate the bronze.

I have used "Rub'n'Buff" on a couple of parts, with adequate results.

I concur that they should have a color that would closely approximate old nickel plating: I have tried to mix various proportions of silver and gold on a Columbia horn, but I'm not entirely satisfied.

Bill

I like the color gold - I cannot seem to find Greco Gold anywhere. Bill K

Never mind I found Grecian Gold. Bill k