The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Does anyone know much about this model of the Columbia Grafonola Elite? It looks as though its been refinished but still looks pretty nice with the vent openings for the internal horn. I haven't been able to find much, if any info on line. Thanks

Yes, the Columbia Elite is a really cool and quirky machine. I got mine a long time ago at a yard sale. They were short lived machines made in 1909. This was Columbia's first table top internal horn machine. It sold for $100.00 in 1909. I believe that it was made to compete with the Victrola XII. It uses the big motor used in the outside horn BD, but with the lever speed control on top of the motor board The internal horn is small, but very long. It snakes around the cabinet. It is quite loud, too. Oiling this machine is a bear. On mine, you have to tilt the machine on it's back and open the trap door on the bottom. Then you have access to the motor. Yes the machine has been refinished. You can see the original finish around the decal. Thank goodness the decal is till intact. This would be a machine worth purchasing, unless you already got it.
Harvey Kravitz

I haven't but debating on taking the 1 ½ hour drive. Do you have an idea on a fair price for this machine? Thanks for the help and great info. Gary

Hi Gary,
Is this a machine for your collection, or is this a machine to sell? Does the seller have a price or are they fishing? Then we can make a determination.
Harvey Kravitz

It's a yard sale I came across and it would be for my own collection. Yes, I was told this could get addicting when I purchased my 1st sonora elite at an estate sale. I find myself searching the Internet, this page and yard sales for any unique machine that will look nice displayed in my house.

I think it's a great Grafonola for any collection. I was really excited to find one in a nearby antique shop several years ago. A Gregg Cline decal makes it possible to do a much nicer job of refinishing the cabinet. What's it worth...? I have the machine in my collection and I paid around $300 for it perhaps fifteen years ago. The one in question needs a proper refinish but it's worth $250 to $350 in my opinion.

This is a good example of why it's not a good idea to work around a decal. Don't be cheap. Spend a little extra on the decal.

What do others think it's worth?

Jerry Blais

Well I took the trip and came home with my Elite purchase as well as a few other things. The few issues I'm seeing and hearing are; not original reproducer, refinished and front sliding volume control wont budge. I took a few more pictures. It was a great price so I picked up a Aeolian Vocalian while I was there. The volume control cord was missing plus a terrible hack job of putting a Victrola lid on it. If anyone is interested in that piece I will post a few photos as soon as I can get someone to help me get it out of my truck.

Congrats! My knowledge of this model is almost nil, but I think you have the correct reproducer for that machine.

Sean

Gary,
After seeing the photo you sent me, That is the correct reproducer. This one came out right before the typical Grafonola reproducer. My machine came with both a later Grafonola reproducer from the late teens and the earlier Concert one. Great machine. Glad you got it.
Harvey Kravitz

Thank you guys for your help with this purchase. The motor seems strong, and yes it is loud. It is a little shrill on the high end but I'm having trouble finding the treble control knob Now I will ponder whether or not to get the front slider loose and/or try to get it as close to its original finish.

Gary