Does cleaning up an offbrand phonograph decrease the value?

[hopeloma]

I recently bought a 1920's hand crank phonograph to give as a gift. It is a Symphonola, the company that was based in Minnesota. I can't seem to find much about this company, so I'm assuming it was small and not very popular. I bought the phonograph for $100, and while it is in good condition, the tone arm could use some polishing, there are some scratches on the finish, the felt on the turntale is discolored and worn, and the reproducer could use a rebuild. I was wondering if fixing up these aesthetic problems would decrease the value, or if it isn't very valuable anyway. Any thoughts on this issue would be greatly appreciated!

[estott]

If you do it well there should be no problems - with lesser machines like this the looks are often the most important thing - a nice fretwork grille or attractive wood grain can often redeem what is otherwise a box with a motor in it.

[hopeloma]

Thank you!