Columbia Grafonola

[ilm75dodge]

Hi I am new to the crank phonograph world but my main hobby is restoring tube radios so I figure this isn't too far of a stretch! I picked up this Columbia Grafonola and am looking for information, parts and advice!! I emailed George Vollema (Great Lakes Antique Phonograph) and he was able to tell me is either model: a35, C or D. Also apparently I have incorrect tone arm/ reproducer.

It am taking over this project after someone else tried a horrible attempt at restoration! Does anyone know if this correct decal is being reproduced by anyone? I already ordered some white oak quarter cut veneer (not paper backed!) for the top! Also was the original finish satin, semi gloss or gloss?

http://s150.photobucket.com/user/ilm75d ... Phonograph

[Sidewinder]

The decal inside the lid looks perfect, it would diminish the value of the machine to refinish the inside of the lid and replace a good original decal with a new reproduction.

The original tone arms on these sometimes had pot metal elbows that broke. The tone arm is a later Columbia style.

Good luck with the project. Impressive work with the rebuild in the photographs.

[Mr Grumpy]

New decals are available here --> http://phonodecal.com/decals/scripts/main1.php#null

Great job putting that machine back together. I'd be interested in knowing the model # as well, I have the same machine.

[Phonofreak]

This Grafonola is either a late Model 35 or a Model C. If you look at the lid decal, it will say in small letters under the wreath, C. If not, it is a late Model 35. They are the same machine, but with a different designation. The Model 35 started out as the Jewel around 1913-14. The model 35 from about 1914-18. The C 1918-1925?. They are very common in Mahogany, but scarce in Oak. It looks like you are off to a good start with your restoration.
Harvey Kravitz

[Mr Grumpy]

Thanks Harvey, just the info I was looking for.

@ilm75dodge,

My machine is also Oak and appears to have the original finish. I'm not %100 certain as my knowledge of Columbia's is limited but
I would say that it is not a gloss finish.

[ilm75dodge]

Thanks for the info! From the original finish that is left I am trying to decide if it is was a semi gloss or satin but I leaning towards semi gloss based on the interior of the lid.

[Phonofreak]

It was a semi-gloss finish on Oak. The Mahogany ones has a gloss finish.
Harvey Kravitz

[ilm75dodge]

Does anyone know the correct way the wood grain should face on top of the lid? I have found pictures with it going both ways and I am a bit confused, I assume there was a specific way they did these from the factory!

[Mr Grumpy]

The grain on mine runs from left to right (or right to left) not front to back.
The inside runs in the same direction.

[De Soto Frank]

As Phonofreak mentioned, this is the $35 Columbia machine, which started-out as the "Jewel". I have one in oak.

While that tone-arm is a later addition, it might be a better unit if you plan to play a lot of records on this machine.

Columbia machines are notorious for poor tracking characteristics / heavy record wear. This arm may improve that situation.


I will take pictures of the arm / reproducer on my machine tomorrow and post, for reference.


Good job on reconstructing this... they are neat machines !