My New Columbia 2/4 Minute BG Cylinder Graphophone

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CDBPDX
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My New Columbia 2/4 Minute BG Cylinder Graphophone

Post by CDBPDX »

I just brought home a nice Columbia BG cylinder Graphophone with 2/4 minute adapter. Includes the 4 minute Columbia reproducer.

Everything seems to work great, though it needs to be cleaned up, a new belt, a crank, and I need to straighten up the winding shaft. I might install 4 new springs, as well. The original springs run pretty well, but not anywhere near like new. Looking forward to the refurbish!

Alright, melvind kindly/patiently explained to me how to add photos. Thanks!

Cliff
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ColBG_0005.JPG
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Last edited by CDBPDX on Fri Jul 23, 2021 11:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Cliff's Vintage Music Shoppe, Castle Rock, WA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIz_IpaVrW8

Jerry B.
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Re: My New Columbia 2/4 Minute BG Cylinder Graphophone

Post by Jerry B. »

I've always liked the Columbia BG & BGT machines. Like the Columbia BY on the disc side, the BG's cabinetry is understated elegance. The two and four minute gearing is a plus. Congratulations!

Jerry B.

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Lucius1958
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Re: My New Columbia 2/4 Minute BG Cylinder Graphophone

Post by Lucius1958 »

Very nice! :D

- Bill

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Re: My New Columbia 2/4 Minute BG Cylinder Graphophone

Post by Curt A »

I hav always wanted a 2/4 minute BG - the 2/4 minute versions of Columbia machines are extremely hard to find, along with 2/4 minute reproducers (not recommended for wax cylinders) only use celluloid 2/4 minute Indestructible cylinders or Blue Amberol Edisons (not black wax 4 min. Amberol Edisons, either).

I have been fortunate enough to find a BFT, BKT and BE, all in 2/4 minute versions. My BE was a 2 minute machine and I thought I would upgrade it to 2/4 minute, like so many people have done with their Edison machines... Boy, was I wrong... original Edison conversions are hard to find, but Columbia conversions are impossible to find. The only way I managed to do it was a friend told me about a 2/4 minute machine on eBay that I should look at. The machine was a total, rusted, piece of junk that I paid $250 for, just because it had the 2/4 minute attachment. It took days to remove the attachment, because it is an integral part of the feedscrew (not an optional set of gearing, like an Edison) and it was completely rusted to the inside of the feedscrew barrel. I finally managed to get it out in one piece and cleaned it up, then installed it in place of thee 2 min. feedscrew and it works perfectly.

Again, congrats on finding one of the best cylinder machines, which is also esthetically very attractive.
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Re: My New Columbia 2/4 Minute BG Cylinder Graphophone

Post by CDBPDX »

So, I was winding it up yesterday and a spring broke, in spectacular fashion. It was just about wound all the way up, and BLAM, all 4 springs suddenly unwound. So, I replaced all 4 springs. I was considering that anyway, but fate has a way of making things happen.
I also have a very nice Columbia BF with a beautiful mandrel. I would like the BG to have the beautiful mandrel, maybe they are interchangeable..??
Cliff's Vintage Music Shoppe, Castle Rock, WA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIz_IpaVrW8

Kent in KC
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Re: My New Columbia 2/4 Minute BG Cylinder Graphophone

Post by Kent in KC »

When you say "includes the 4 min reproducer" do you mean it's a separate item? I have a 2/4 min BO and a 2/4 min BKT and the same reproducer plays both 2 and 4 minute cylinders - or at least I thought so?

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Re: My New Columbia 2/4 Minute BG Cylinder Graphophone

Post by CDBPDX »

Yes, just the one reproducer, it plays both 2 and 4 minute celluloid cylinders.
Cliff's Vintage Music Shoppe, Castle Rock, WA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIz_IpaVrW8

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Re: My New Columbia 2/4 Minute BG Cylinder Graphophone

Post by CDBPDX »

CDBPDX wrote: Thu Jul 22, 2021 2:05 pm So, I was winding it up yesterday and a spring broke, in spectacular fashion. It was just about wound all the way up, and BLAM, all 4 springs suddenly unwound. So, I replaced all 4 springs. I was considering that anyway, but fate has a way of making things happen.
I also have a very nice Columbia BF with a beautiful mandrel. I would like the BG to have the beautiful mandrel, maybe they are interchangeable..??
The mandrels are not interchangeable. The mandrel shafts are different lengths and different configurations. Bummer...
Image
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gramophoneshane
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Re: My New Columbia 2/4 Minute BG Cylinder Graphophone

Post by gramophoneshane »

Am I the only one who can't see the pictures?
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52089
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Re: My New Columbia 2/4 Minute BG Cylinder Graphophone

Post by 52089 »

gramophoneshane wrote: Thu Jul 22, 2021 9:41 pm Am I the only one who can't see the pictures?
No, you're not.

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